Oysters Casino

Tasty oysters casino, made with oysters, bacon and shallots, along with seasonings. There's just no other way to put it, this dish is the perfect appetizer for any special occasion, whether it be a romantic dinner for two, or a holiday. Oysters are flavoured with finely chopped onions, peppers and celery that has been sautéed in bacon drippings and stirred in with lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce. Then topped with crumbled bacon pieces. Enjoy these oysters with a glass of Champagne, Savignon blanc, or Muscadet.

4 slices bacon, chopped
½ cup (1 stick) butter
½ cup shallots, minced
¼ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
¼ cup celery, finely chopped
1 Tbsp. lemon juice, freshly squeezed
¼ tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 pinch ground cayenne pepper
rock salt
2 dozen small (3-4” long) Pacific oysters on the half shell
fresh flat-leaf parsley, minced for garnish

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C/180°C fan, Gas Mark 6).

In a small skillet, cook bacon until almost crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate; set aside.

Place the butter, shallots, bell pepper, celery, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper in a food processor; mix until well combined, about 20 seconds.

Spread ¼” rock salt on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes.

Place oysters firmly in the hot rock salt. Place 1 Tbsp. of the butter mixture on each oyster; top each with bacon.

Bake oysters until bubbly, about 12 minutes. Do not overcook. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.

Makes servings 6-8 as an appetizer, 2-4 as a main course.