Outrageously good

Oysters in Prince Edward Island have been devastated by two diseases that are only harmful to oysters.

The mortality rate has been 100 per cent. This is terrible news for these oyster growers as it takes a good three years for oysters to grow from seed to oyster. In the meantime, they have no income.

I don’t like the taste of west coast oysters, so I will continue to support the east coast fisheries by purchasing mussels and clams which I do like.

Mussels are still very inexpensive and available fresh daily. They can be prepared quickly and easily with so many flavours, from garlic and white wine to beer and curry. We love to gratin and bake both oysters and clams but I have never done it with mussels. It is just a little more effort than simply steaming them but boy was it worth it. The mussels were so outrageously good. My mom and son really enjoyed them and asked that we make them again this week.

Gratin of mussels

1 Kilo fresh mussels

1/2 cup white wine

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated parmesan

1 clove garlic

1 green onion

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/4 cup chopped fresh dill

Zest of 1 lemon

1/4 cup melted butter

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon chili flakes

Lemon wedges

Discard any mussels that don’t close. Remove beards from mussels, put into a deep pot with the wine, cover with lid and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook for 4-5 minutes, shaking pot gently until all the mussels open up. Let mussels cool for 5-10 minutes. Combine in a food processor: breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic, green onion, parsley, dill, zest and melted butter or chop everything up fine and stir together in bowl. Season the crumb mix with salt, pepper and chili flakes. Take the mussels out of the pot, discarding any that haven’t opened and remove top shell. Arrange mussels in their shell on baking sheet and spoon enough breadcrumb mixture to cover each mussel. Bake for 6-7 minutes until breadcrumbs are golden brown. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Makes 45-50 pieces.