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05/05/2011 National Oyster Day Scalloped Oysters

Source of Recipe

Food Network


Recipe Introduction

Oyster Day is a pearl of a day. Oysters are a shellfish, or "mollusks" found in both freshwater and saltwater. They often produce pearls, making Oyster Day a real gem. In the ocean (or freshwater for some types), oysters they sift food from the water around them. In doing so, they sometimes pick up a piece of sand or grit. If that piece of sand or grit gets lodged in the oyster's system, the oyster reacts to the irritant by slowly secreting a substance called "nacre" around the sand. Ultimately, it develops into a pearl. Do all oysters develop a pearl? No, but wouldn't it be great to open one up to find a sparkling pearl!? Oysters are a delicacy, enjoyed by many. Some folk love oysters, especially the "upper crust". Others find oysters to be an acquired taste. Celebrate Oyster Day by eating oysters, Or, buy some pearls for yourself or that special someone. Did You Know? Seattle, Washington is the world's largest producers of cultivated pearls. They are known as the "Oyster Capital of the World".

List of Ingredients

HOME COOKIN’ 05/05/2011 National Oyster Day Scalloped Oysters


Scalloped Oysters


1 quart shucked oysters in their liquor
2 cups coarsely crushed saltine crackers
1 cup dry bread crumbs
3/4 cup melted butter
1 cup cream
Nutmeg
Salt and pepper
Celery salt, optional


Recipe



Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Pick oysters free of any shells.

In a deep buttered casserole, mix together crackers, bread crumbs, and melted butter.

Place a thin layer of crumb mixture in the bottom of the casserole.

Cover it with half of the oysters. Season cream with nutmeg, salt, pepper and celery salt (if using).

Pour half of this mixture over the oysters.

On the next layer, use the oysters, 3/4 of the remaining crumb mixture and cover that with seasoned cream.

Top with the remaining crumbs.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until lightly browned.