Billi Bi Mussels

The classic French version is a soup of mussels with saffron and cream in which the mussels are strained out and served separately, but the country version, Billi Bi Mussels, is heartier and more fun.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 6 tablespoons chopped shallots
• 6 tablespoons chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 3 pinches of saffron
• 4 quarts mussels in their shells, scrubbed (4 to 6 pounds)
• 2 cups dry white wine
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• Dash of Tabasco sauce
• 2 cups heavy cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Melt the butter in a deep saucepan or soup pot over medium heat. Add the shallots, onion, garlic, and saffron and cook, stirring, or until the onion is limp and the garlic is a bit fragrant, about 3 minutes
2. Add the mussels, wine, parsley, and Tabasco. Cover and cook until the mussels pop open, about 5 minutes. Add the cream and bring to a boil. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Serve in bowls, discarding any mussels that didn’t open

Contributed By: Celebrity Chef Charles Mattocks