Southern Oyster Casserole

Ingredients:

2 quarts oysters
1/4 pound (1 stick) butter
3 whole scallions, chopped
1 green or red bell pepper, seeded, deribbed, and chopped
1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup flour
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated imported Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup bread crumbs

Directions: 

Preheat the broiler. Grease a 9x13 inch ovenproof serving dish or spray it with nonstick spray. Drain the oysters and set aside. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a heavy casserole. Add the scallions and pepper and saute until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and oysters and saute for 5 minutes.

In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons of the remaining butter. Stir in the flour. When smooth, add the cream, and stir until boiling and thick. Add the cheese. Stir this cheese sauce into the oyster mixture and season with nutmeg, paprika, salt, and pepper.

The casserole may be made ahead to this point and refrigerated overnight. Return it to the simmer on top of the stove before proceeding.

Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and top with the bread crumbs and dot with the remaining butter. Place under the broiler until browned and bubbling about 10 minutes, depending on the depth of the casserole.

Makes 10 to 20 servings as a starter.