Mussels ala Creme

SERVES: 2

COOK TIME: 10 Min

We're starting a new series on Restaurant Secrets, and to launch it we visited Chef Chris at Aruba Beach Cafe in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He let us in on his secret recipe for mussels in a delicious cream sauce, one of his most popular dishes, and we're thrilled to share it with you!

What You'll Need

2/3 stick butter, softened
1/2 cup chopped parsley
4 shallots, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1/4 cup Pernod or other anise-flavored liqueur (optional)
1/4 cup white wine
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 pounds cleaned mussels
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

What to Do

In a medium bowl, blend together butter, parsley, shallots, garlic, liqueur, wine, and Worcestershire sauce.
Heat a soup pot; add oil and mussels and cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until mussels start to open.
Add butter mixture and cream and cook 2 more minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Be sure to discard any unopened mussels before serving.