CHEERS! (RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR ~ OYSTER STEW)

"Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us." 

~ Hal Borland 

CHEERS!

OYSTER STEW

~ a 'rich' holiday tradition for Christmas or the New Year ... delicious recipe adapted from Simply Recipes, a great site and one that cooks much like I do ...

1  pint freshly shucked oysters (such as bluepoint)

5  Tbsp. unsalted butter

1/4  cup flour

2  minced celery stalks plus leaves

1  minced sweet onion

2 minced garlic cloves

1  3/4  cup milk

1/4  cup cream (or all milk if you choose but once a year the cream is good)

1/4 - 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (to taste)

coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1/2  cup minced fresh parsley (reserve a tad for garnish)

Crisp crumbled bacon for garnish (optional)

Oyster crackers

• Strain oyster juice thorough fine sieve. Remove grit and reserve juices. Rinse oysters under cold water and set aside.
• Melt butter in stock pot over medium heat. Add flour and stir to make a roux. Reduce heat and cook mixture, stirring often, until color of coffee-with-cream. Stir in celery, onions and garlic and cook 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Add oyster juice and any juices in reserved oyster bowl. The flour in roux will absorb liquid and turn into a paste. Slowly add milk/cream, stirring to incorporate as you pour in. Add cayenne to taste. Heat soup to steamy over low heat (below simmer) for 10-15 minutes. 
• Add oysters and cook for another 2 minutes or until edges begin to curl. 
• Season with salt, freshly ground pepper and minced parsley. (If too thick, add more milk/cream). 
• Serve garnished with fresh parsley, crisp crumbled bacon, and oyster crackers. (4-6 servings)