Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   2      dozen         soft-shelled clams
   1      pint          water
   1      stalk         celery
     1/2  cup           melted butter

Preparation:

Scrub the clams well, rinsing in several changes of ice water to remove all the sand. Put the clams into a saucepan and add the water and celery. Cover and steam over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the shells open. Be careful not to overcook. Strain the clam broth through a cheesecloth and reheat the strained broth quickly. Serve the clams, hot, in a large deep bowl. Serve the hot clam broth and melted butter on the side, in separate bowls.