Mussels Night

Last weekend was cold, rainy and uninspiring. What a better reason to get together with your closest friends to gather around the table for Mussels and a drink or two (or eight). Costco has the best deal for Mussels--they are sold in 6 pound packs for $11 +/- and they are already de-bearded. All you need to do is give the Mussels a scrub, discard open shells and away we go:

Mussels in a Chipotle Tomato Broth  

Ingredients

* Handful of Chopped Bacon, Chorizo and Onions
* 1 Can of crushed Tomatoes
* 2 lbs of Mussels 

* Chipotle to taste

* Salt and Pepper to taste

* Pot with tight fitting lid

Preparation

In a large pot add Bacon and Chorizo on medium-high heat. When the Bacon and Chorizo has rendered some fat add Onions. When Onions soften add Tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.  Add a dash of Chipotle, Salt and Pepper. Taste and add more to broth as desired. Add Mussels. Close lid. After 3-5 minutes stir pot. Cook until the majority of shells have opened. Discard closed shells and serve immediately with crusty bread or fries.

Mussels with White Wine and Dill

Ingredients

* Handful of Chopped Bacon and Onions 

* 1 cup of White Wine (any will do--just make sure it's good enough to drink)

* 2 lbs of Mussels 

* Dill to taste

* Salt and Pepper to taste

* Pot with tight fitting lid

Preparation

In a large pot add Bacon on medium-high heat. When the Bacon has rendered some fat add Onions. When Onions soften add Mussels and Wine. Bring to a simmer.  Add a dash of Dill, Salt and Pepper. Close lid. After 3-5 minutes stir pot. Taste and add more spices to broth as desired. Cook until the majority of shells have opened. Discard closed shells and serve immediately with crusty bread or fries.

Mussels with Pernod and Bacon

Ingredients

* Handful of Chopped Bacon and Onions 

* 2 lbs of Mussels 

* 1 cup of Pernod (A Fennel like liquor)

* Salt and Pepper to taste

* Pot with tight fitting lid

Preparation

In a large pot add Bacon on medium-high heat. When the Bacon has rendered some fat add Onions. When Onions soften add Mussels and Pernod. Bring to a simmer.  Add a dash Salt and Pepper. Close lid. Taste and add more to broth as desired. After 3-5 minutes stir pot. Cook until the majority of shells have opened. Discard closed shells and serve immediately with crusty bread or fries.