INGREDIENTS
Serves 2
2 cups half-and-half
2 cups clam juice
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Dash Tabasco sauce
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 shucked oysters, with their liquid
2 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
In a small pot, combine the half-and-half, clam juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil. As soon as the mixture boils, turn off the heat and add the oysters and the butter. Stir until the butter is melted. Divide between two bowls, top with chives, and serve.
IN MODERATION
This is a very rich dish, suffused with cream and butter. It should be enjoyed as an occasional treat, perhaps during the winter holidays or on New Year’s Eve. You can vary the dish with almost any shellfish you like. It is excellent with clams and mussels.