Low Country Oyster Stew, a Winter Treat

With the Holiday Season upon us, I decided to post some recipes from the Low Country and the Creative Coast. My first entry is Low Country Oyster Stew,Oyster season commenced in mid-September and will be with us until the end of April. The best tasting oysters in the area are harvested from the May River or near Lemon Island. Most eateries in the area, bring in farm raised Gulf Coast oysters. In sampling both, the local oysters are much sweeter than those brought in from Florida, Louisiana or Texas.

I know of only of three restaurants that serve the local oysters, Hudson's on Hilton Head, Bona Bella Yacht Club in Savannah and of course the Bluffton Oyster Company. Many people make special trips to get their fill of these delicacies from where I call home.

As a former bartender at Hudson's, I remember customers coming and buying local oysters from us to make Oyster Stuffing for Thanksgiving. Also, one of Hudson's best selling soups was Oyster Stew. This recipe is version that is served throughout the Low Country and the Creative Coast. I recommend using Bluffton oysters for your stew if available.

Ingredient's

1/2 cup of butter                    1 cup of minced celery                      3 tablespoons of minced shallots

1 quart of half n half cream     2(12 ounce) fresh oysters, undrained   salt & pepper to taste

pinch of cayenne pepper to taste

Preparation

Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat, cook the celery and shallots, until the shallots are tender.

Pour the half n half into large pot over medium heat. Mix in the butter and the celery and shallot mixture. Stir continuously, until mixture boils, the pour in oysters and their juices into pot. Season with salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Continue stirring constantly until the oysters curl at the ends. Turn of heat and serve

Comments

[Will]

If you get up towards Charleston, definitely check out the Bull's Bay oysters. We pick them everyday and deliver them to people having roasts. In my opinion the best around! The oyster stew recipe sounds great; I'll give it a try. Thanks!