Baked Mussels Persillade Food

STUFFED BAKED MUSSELS

Steps:

• Debeard and clean the exterior of the mussel shells very well (they will be used later for service).
• In a cast-iron Dutch oven over high heat, add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, the garlic, red pepper flakes, white wine and thyme. Bring the wine to a simmer and add the mussels. Cover tightly and cook until all the mussels have opened, 6 to 8 minutes.
• Remove the mussels from the pot, discarding any that did not open, and when cool enough to handle, remove the flesh and chop. Rinse the shells and put aside for service. Strain the liquid from the pot and reserve. Wipe the Dutch oven clean with a paper towel.
• Place the pot over medium-high heat, add the remaining olive oil and, when shimmering, add the onions and bell peppers and saute until the onions are just starting to caramelize, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the serrano, the remaining garlic and the tomatoes and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
• Add the butter and the flour. Once the butter melts, slowly incorporate the milk. Add the reserved cooking liquid from the mussels, a little at a time, until the mixture is creamy but not runny. Add the chopped mussels and gradually add 1 cup panko, as needed, and stir gently to combine.
• Preheat the oven to broil and adjust the rack to 6 inches below the element.
• Separate, rinse and dry the mussel shells.
• Spread the rock salt evenly in an ovenproof serving platter. Fill the mussel shells with 2 to 3 tablespoons of the mussel-vegetable mixture. Place the remaining cup of panko in a shallow bowl or plate and spread out. Gently roll the filled shells in the panko. Nest the filled mussels into the rock salt on the prepared platter. Season with nutmeg, salt and pepper, place under the broiler and broil until golden brown and bubbly, 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• Sprinkle with the chopped Italian parsley, squeeze a few lemon wedges over the mussels and garnish with remaining lemon wedges and serve immediately.

RACK OF LAMB PERSILLADE

Steps:

• Pre-heat the oven to 475 degrees. In a small skillet heat the oil over moderate heat until it is hot but not smoking, add the garlic and cook it, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add the shallots and the rosemary and cook the mixture, stirring, for 10 seconds. Stir in the parsley and breadcrumbs and season with salt and pepper. Remove the skillet from heat. Heat another oven-proof skillet over moderately high heat until it is hot and brown the lamb, seasoned with salt and pepper, turning it, for 5 minutes, or until the sides and ends are browned evenly. Pour off any fat from the skillet, arrange the lamb, and pat the crumb mixture evenly on the fat and the meat sides of the lamb. Bake the lamb in the middle of the oven for 15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer registers 130 degrees for medium-rare meat. Transfer the lamb to platter and let it stand, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Serve with buttered sugar snap peas.

CRUNCHY BAKED MUSSELS

Steps:

• Scrub the mussels and pull off any beards. Rinse in several changes of cold water, then discard any that are open and do not close when tapped against the side of the sink.
• Drain the mussels and put in a large pan with a splash of water. Bring to the boil, then cover the pan, shaking occasionally, until the mussels are open - this will take 2-3 mins. Drain well, then discard any that remain closed. Heat grill to high.
• Mix the crumbs and zest. Remove one side of each shell, then spread a little butter onto each mussel. Set on a baking tray and sprinkle with crumbs. Grill for 3-4 mins until crunchy.

OVEN ROASTED MUSSELS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
• Position 1 rack in bottom third of oven and the other rack in top third of oven.
• Mix 1st seven ingredients in a small bowl; season with salt and pepper.
• Brush bread on both sides with olive oil; place on top baking rack in oven.
• Place mussels in wide oven-proof pot; cover and put on bottom rack.
• Roast mussels until mussels open, about 5-9 minutes.
• Watch bread until it is lightly toasted.
• Remove any mussels that did not open.
• Add herb butter and stir until melted.
• Divide mussels and juices among bowls and sprinkle with remaining chopped chives.
• Serve with bread.