Half Dozen Freshly Shucked Oysters Recipe

Make mignonette

In a small bowl combine 2 tbs red wine vinegar, 1 tsp finely minced shallot, 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of coarse sea salt. Stir and let sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust acidity or salt if needed.

Place 4 cups of crushed ice in a shallow serving platter or on individual oyster plates to create a chilled bed for the oysters. Smooth the ice so oysters will sit level and not tip.

If oysters are not pre-shucked: hold an oyster, flat side up, in a towel to protect your hand. Insert an oyster knife at the hinge, twist gently to pop the shell, run the knife along the top shell to cut the muscle and remove the top shell. Slide the knife under the oyster to free it from the bottom shell, keeping the oyster level so it retains its liquid (liquor). Place each oyster on the chilled bed of crushed ice. (If oysters are already shucked, arrange 6 oysters on the chilled ice, conserving their liquor.)

Arrange 6 oysters evenly on the ice. Tuck 2 lemon wedges on the plate(s). Spoon small amounts of mignonette (about 1/2 tsp to 1 tsp per oyster) into a few oysters as preferred; serve remaining mignonette in a small ramekin so guests can add more.

Place 3 tbs cocktail sauce and 1 tsp prepared horseradish in small ramekins alongside the oysters. Offer freshly ground black pepper and chopped parsley so guests can finish to taste.

Garnish oysters lightly with a grind of black pepper or a tiny pinch of chopped parsley if desired. Do not overpower the oyster flavor; the lemon, mignonette, cocktail sauce and horseradish provide the main accoutrements.

Serve immediately while oysters are chilled. Pour one chilled glass of Chandon Brut Sparkling (about 150 ml) per guest. Sip the sparkling between oysters: a squeeze of lemon or a touch of mignonette followed by a sip of the brut refreshes the palate and complements the briny, mineral oyster flavors.

Discard any oyster that smells off or has an open shell that doesn't close when tapped. Enjoy responsibly.