Moules Farcies Gratinees French Mussels Wgreen Garlic Butter Food

MOULES FARCIES GRATINEES - FRENCH MUSSELS W/GREEN GARLIC BUTTER

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine 4 cups water with 3 tablespoons salt and stir to dissolve the salt. Add the mussels and let stand for about 1 hour to rid the mussels of any bits of sand, then drain well. Place the mussels in a clean bowl and refrigerate, uncovered, for up to 1 day.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Arrange the mussels in a single layer in a shallow baking pan, discarding any that do not close to the touch, and add the shallots and wine. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake just until the shells open, about 10 minutes. Remove the mussels from the oven and let cool in the pan. Remove the mussels from the wine, discarding any that failed to open, and discard the wine (or strain through a fine-mesh sieve and reserve for adding to a fish soup or stew). Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Meanwhile, in a food processor, process the bread pieces until they form coarse crumbs. Measure out 1 cup and set aside; reserve the remainder for another use.
• Make the green garlic butter, if using. (see recipe #299317,optional).
• Working with one mussel at a time, pull off and discard the top shell and run a small, sharp knife around the mussel meat to free it from the bottom shell. Lay the mussels, still in their bottom shells, in a single layer in the baking pan. Spoon an equal amount of the green garlic butter (recipe #299317, optional) onto each mussel and sprinkle the crumbs generously on top.
• Return the mussels to the oven and bake until the tops are sizzling, the butter is melted and fragrant, and the crumbs are crisp, about 8-10 minutes.
• Transfer to a platter and serve at once, with the lemon wedges on the side.
• Good with a crisp, chilled white wine such as Muscadet or Sancerre!
• Note: Makes six servings as an appetizer, or about three main dish servings.

CLASSIC FRENCH MUSSELS

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the mussels, wine, cream, butter, and parsley and season well with salt. Give it a good stir, cover the pot, and cook until mussels open and are cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes. Divide the mussels and the juices between 2 bowls and serve with the crusty bread.

AHOY THERE! MOULES MARINIèRES - FRENCH SAILOR'S MUSSELS

Steps:

• Place the live mussels in fresh water. Scrub and debeard the mussels (see the photos), discarding any that are open, broken or cracked.
• Fry the chopped onion and chopped garlic cloves (over medium heat) in a little butter (or oil) in the biggest saucepan you have. Add half of the finely chopped fresh herbs - I have used a mixture of parsley, oregano and tarragon. Season with black pepper, wait to season with salt to taste later.
• Add the white wine to the butter and herbs, and then tip in the freshly cleaned mussels - turn up the heat to high. Cover the pan and let the mussels steam for about 5 minutes. Shake the pan every minute or so to coat the mussels in the liquid.
• Take the pan off the heat and add the double cream or creme fraiche; then add of the remaining finely chopped herbs. Mix through thoroughly. That's it! Enjoy with crusty bread, frites and a chilled white wine -- divine!
• NB: Discard any mussels that don't open during cooking. (see photos).

MUSSELS IN GARLIC BUTTER

Steps:

• Cream the butter with the garlic and parsley in a bowl and set aside.
• Place the mussels in a saucepan with the remaining ingredients, bring to boil and simmer for 3 minutes or until the mussels open.
• Detach the lid from the base and place the mussels still sitting in their shells on a baking sheet.
• Dot generously with the garlic butter and grill until the butter has melted.
• Serve the mussles on their own or in the wine broth.

TRADITIONAL FRENCH GREEN GARLIC BUTTER WITH PASTIS

Steps:

• In a food processor, process the garlic until pureed, then add the parsley and process until finely minced mixture forms.
• Cut the butter into 3 or 4 pieces and add to the parsley mixture along with the green onions, tarragon, and pastis. Process until combined.
• Add the olive oil, lemon juice, and enough cream to create a soft, fluffy mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Spoon an equal amount of the green garlic butter on to each precooked and open mussel (see mussels recipe #299761), sprinkle breadcrumbs generously on top. Bake at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, until butter is melted and fragrant, and the crumbs are crisp. Makes enough for 3 lbs. mussels. (Alternatively, you can transfer butter mixture to a small saucepan and heat through on medium to medium-high heat for 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently and being careful not to burn, until butter is melted and fragrant. Drizzle over seafood of your choice).
• Serve with fresh lemon wedges, slices of French bread for mopping the juices, and a crisp, chilled white wine such as Muscadet, Sancerre or Sauvignon Blanc! Bon appetit!