Thursday, September 6, 2012

GIMME AN "R"

Everyone is talking about
and wishing for Fall!

While Fall won't officially start until 
the third week of September,
(in days of yore, one could say the 21st
but now it is calculated to the hour)
the month of September has an "R"
in its name.
Around these parts that means
Oysters are in season and that means
OYSTER STEW!
I am sharing my recipe
 cuz this is sooooo good!
Here are the basics: Basil leaves (fresh is better if you have it but it wasn't in the garden when these pics were taken), Old Bay seasoning, half and half, salt, pepper (we will use cracked pepper later)
and all purpose flour or cornstarch (I like the flavor of flour best).
In my trusty Le Creuset dutch oven, I place a stick of unsalted butter and one tablespoon light tasting olive oil. Saute finely minced onion, celery and bell pepper (also known as the trinity), basil and Old Bay until the veggies clear and are browning on the edges. If your pan seems dry you may add a little more butter or olive oil. Turn the heat to low. I don't make a traditional roux but create a white roux like mixture while leaving the trinity in the pot. I normally use a half cup of flour adding enough olive oil to keep the mixture slightly loose.  Work the mixture slowly allowing the flour to absorb full flavor (this prevents a flour tasting base). I want a light colored base.
Begin to add the quart of half and half stirring constantly until it begins to thicken, salt and lightly pepper to taste. It it gets too thick you can add additional milk. 
This is where I go off on my own tangent. 

I coarsely chop the drained oysters on a sanitized cutting board. Add the oysters, heat slowly to just a simmer. When hot, ladle up, garnish with chopped green onions and cracked pepper.

Serve with an arugula, beet and feta cheese salad some oyster crackers or toasted/buttered sliced french baguette.

As Sweet Ole Bob says, "Don't let it get on your head, your tongue'll lap outch'a brains".

I use this same basic recipe to make crab stew.

Granny's Oyster Stew
1 stick unsalted butter
1 tbsp light olive oil
1 cup finely chopped/minced onions
1/2 cup finely chopped/minced celery
1/2 cup finely chopped/minced bell pepper
1/2 tsp dried basil (more to taste)
2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning (more if you wish to taste)
salt, pepper and cracked pepper
1/2 cup all purpose flour
more olive oil if needed
1 quart half and half milk
12 to 18 ounces coarsely chopped select oysters

Now just enjoy
September has an "R" in it!

I am sharing here:

PhotobucketFeathered Nest FridayChic on a Shoestring DecoratingStuff and Nonsense


Foodie Friday2805
Show and Tell FridayThe Thrifty Groove
I Gotta Try That






20 comments:

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

The Oyster Stew looks wonderful Ginger!!...I am sure you were happy for Septembe"R" to arrive so you could make that marvelous stew!!....Enjoy!! and have a wonderful weekend!

The Polka Dot Closet said...

I can smell it from here!! Once a year on Christmas Eve, my Mom would make Oyster Stew, it brings back very fond memories!!

Carol

Anonymous said...

Yummy yummy! Looks so good and I'll take some good ole soup any time!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Ginger,

This is a perfect recipe for the 'R' season! And I can only say AMEN to Bob's saying. You just revealed one more secret why you're married for so long!
Love the chives in that picture with the soup in the yellow plates.
Hats off to the lady Chef!
Hugs to you,
Mariette

Pat M said...

Careful...the food channel may come calling! It looks delish! I have never eaten oyster anything, but I'd try your dish for sure!
Hugs, GraceinAZ (Pat)

Lynn said...

Sounds great! I haven't made a cream soup in a long time... gotta correct that! Happy September:@)

Suzy said...

You make it look so delicious Ginger! Looking forward to seeing you in just a few short weeks!

Debbiedoos said...

Oh I so wish we were neighbors Ginger. You do know I would come knockin on your door often. That or I would be hanging on the porch with Bob with a cold one in hand:)

NanaDiana said...

Oh- I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE oyster stew!!! I am the only one in my family that likes it- xo Diana

Curtains in My Tree said...


OMG I love oyster stew I just need to get down there this fall wish My oyster ship of money would come in LOL9 I am a single gal living on my own for first time in my life and my money ship took a big hit(LOST ) after I retired earyl, so working part time and happy about that

I have a big trip already planned so thought Savannah will have to wait till spring

i'll be there and we can eat something local

Curtains in My Tree said...

Ginger
I see on your Grandson's etsy shop that he is in Benton Illinois, I was raised in Mt Vernon Illinois 30 miles from him
All my family is gone from there but I am going over for my high school reunion next year it's about 3 1/2 hr drive from me now
Janice

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Such pretty Fall pictures, Ginger. Would you believe, I've never had Oyster Stew! I'll have to try it some time. Have a great weekend! laurie

Creations By Cindy said...

I love soup of most kinds. Like soup all year round but do wish the temp would drop some so I'd have the hankering to make some soup! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Anonymous said...

Oh yeah...that is sooo true,can't wait to eat oysters,wish I had a bushel right now...make us oyster stew,and holler when it's ready.

Love you new Autumn look!!

Chatty Crone said...

Your photos are beautiful and outstanding. And the stew looks good - but I don't like Oysters! sandie

Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads said...

Ginger, I can't wait to try your recipe for Oyster Stew! I can eat a ton of it, but I've never successfully made my own. That's interesting how you chop your oysters before adding them to your stew. Will have to try this soon!

Honey at 2805 said...

The oyster stew looks yummy good, Ginger! Adore your photos! Thank you for sharing your recipe at Potpourri Friday!

Diann said...

Oh that looks so good! I have been in major soup mood lately. I made split pea and ham last night. I am already thinking of the next soup to make! Thank you for sharing at TTF. Have a fun day!

The Charm of Home said...

Yum! Thank you for joining Home Sweet Home!
Sherry

boulevardsg said...
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