WhatIzIt ???

[Quint]

Sure appears so, Rich, but not quite. You're in the ballpark or should I say "lagoon" Rich.

[Dreamin]

Just for giggles, I am going to guess an owl nugget.....at least that is what it looked like to me, but I see Steve gave a hint that Rich was in the ballpark with lagoon or water....hmmmm.....anyone have a guess??

[Michael]

oyster

[Quint]

So very close, Michael.

[Rich]

Clam?

[Quint]

There you go, Rich. It's the tip of the neck of a Pacific Gaper clam. This tip is removed during the cleaning process and is hard compared to it's cousin, the Fatty Gaper. 
Largest one I've dug was 4 pounds.

[Dreamin]

Congratulations, Rich!! Steve, did you ever take a shot after you open one? Those are HUGE!! Wouldn't take many to make a huge pot of clam chowder!! Now you re making me hungry!!

[Rich]

WoW! They ARE really big! Di they cook up tough or tender?

[Quint]

Nat, Rich,
Here's one that was cleaned showing the neck portion only after it was tenderized. The necks tend to be tough so pounding to tenderize and not cooking too long like one minute per side on a hot oily pan. 
Good just to cut up for chowder too.

[Rich]

WoW! Lots of chowder from that!