Страница 51

Mussel Stew with Bacon, Cider, and Cream

PAIR WITH

Beer and Cheddar Bread

(PAGE 157)

Imagine rich, briny mussels clattering around in a smoky, aromatic broth of hard cider, shallots, bacon, and cream that’s ready in 20 minutes. What’s not to love? This recipe is so simple that it pays to be picky when shopping for the ingredients. Don’t buy mussels if they look dry or if lots of them are gasping with open shells; they should look moist, the shells should have no cracks, and they should be mostly closed. Also, buy the best bacon you can and choose a cider you would be happy to drink on its own

.

SERVES

4

ACTIVE TIME

10

MINUTES

TOTAL TIME

20

MINUTES

2

1

/

2

lb [1.2 kg] mussels

1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

3 large shallots, peeled and thinly sliced

2 strips thick-cut bacon, coarsely chopped

1 large garlic clove, thinly sliced

1 Tbsp chopped fresh thyme