Shelly's Recipe

SOUTHERN OYSTER CASSEROLE

Category: Fish and Seafood

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

Preheat broiler. Grease a 13x9 inch casserole. Drain oysters and set aside.

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a heavy casserole. Add scallions and pepper and saute until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and oysters and saute for 5 minutes.

In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons remaining butter. Stir in flour. When smooth, add the cream, and stir until boiling and thick. Add cheese. Stir this cheese sauce into 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 simmer on top of stove before proceeding. Pour mixture into prepared dish and top with bread crumbs and dot with remaining butter. Place under broiler until browned and bubbling - about 10 minutes, depending on depth of the casserole.