Seduced by oysters
Soup in my sink
Soup getting close to my belly
It’s a cold autumn night in Paris and I’m walking home with my new hairdo from Mickael at en a parté, thinking about the new post I’m about to make on Sevrès tureens, Madame Pompadour, and 18th century French soup. Then it hits me: MUST HAVE OYSTER SOUP! After all, I’m stopping by Casino’s anyway to check out the possibilities for Halloween candy. And, how sweet, there they are: a special on No. 3 oysters from Arcachon. Mmmmmmm. It all comes together. Plump, juicy oysters, butter and cream from Normandie, Muscadet wine from Bretagne–yes, definitely pop the first 6 oysters from shell to mouth to get into the spirit of the thing–and a nice garnish of cayenne pepper, shaved lemon peel, and parsley. So if you can just hold off for another week about that incredible Soupe à la Pompadour, I’d love you to join me for Soupe aux Huitres. It is SO easy and SO fast, especially if you don’t have to shuck the oysters.
SOUPE AUX HUITRES (for 4)
24 small oysters with their liquor (or 12 big ones, cut in half)
1 cup dry white wine
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup crushed biscuit crackers
6 Tablespoons butter, cut in little pieces
Salt (taste first, you may not need it) and finely ground white pepper
Garnish: sprinkle of cayenne pepper, finely cut lemon peel, a few parsley leaves
Put the oysters, their liquor, and the wine in a saucepan and bring to a fast boil. Immediately reduce heat to very low, skim as needed, then stir in cream, crushed crackers, and butter. Swirl the pan until the butter is incorporated. Season carefully, swirling a little more. Ladle into bowls and garnish with cayenne, lemon peel strips, and parsley.
I remember a wonderful time in Tasmania ( for those geographically handicaped, it is one of the states of Australia)when we had mud oysters. They were farmed for the Japenese for their famous oyster sauce. They are the New york cut steak of the oyster world… Huge and so rich!!!! You only needed 4 to make a soup as they were so huge and you definetely do not slip these delicately down your throat, you need fork and knife!!! Wonderful to read your comments, Pat, as always!
Comment by Catherine Brys — October 31, 2008 @ 8:02 am
When we see them in your sink we think of “The Walrus and The Carpenter” by Lewis Caroll. Certainly one of my favorite poems.
Comment by Billie, Jackson, Sloane & Cort — November 3, 2008 @ 10:18 am