Moules Farcies Gratinees – French Mussels W/Green Garlic Butter
'Good with a crisp / 'In a large bowl / 'Make the green garlic butter / 'Meanwhile / 'Note: Makes six servings as an appetizer / 'Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Arrange the mussels in a single layer in a shallow baking pan / 'Return the mussels to the oven and bake until the tops are sizzling / 'Transfer to a platter and serve at once / 'Working with one mussel at a time / about 10 minutes. Remove the mussels from the oven and let cool in the pan. Remove the mussels from the wine / about 8-10 minutes.' / and add the shallots and wine. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake just until the shells 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).' / and the crumbs are crisp / chilled white wine such as Muscadet or Sancerre!' / 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 / discarding any that do not close to the touch / discarding any that failed to open / for up to 1 day.' / if using. (see recipe #299317 / in a food processor / 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.' / optional).' / or about three main dish servings.'] / process the bread pieces until they form coarse crumbs. Measure out 1 cup and set aside; reserve the remainder for another use.' / 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 / the butter is melted and fragrant / then drain well. Place the mussels in a clean bowl and refrigerate / uncovered / with the lemon wedges on the side.'
This French classic makes a lovely main dish meal -or- appetizer course! Serve the mussels with recipe #299317 and some French bread for mopping the …