Happy Thanksgiving & Oyster Season in NC

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Instead of filling your inboxes and social media feeds with another Thanksgiving recipe, I thought I would focus on one of the holiday traditions in my family....Oysters!

There are many reasons why Fall is my favorite season in North Carolina, but oysters are definitely at the top of that list! I LOVE fresh oysters! There is nothing better than using brute force to crack open the shell and slurp up the briny, delicious prize from inside.

I realize that last statement might not sound that appetizing to most people, but I just can't help myself. It is one of the few ocean gems that I don't mind working for to eat. As long as I can remember, I have enjoyed them, but I am sure there was a moment when I was younger where I stared an oyster in the face and truly questioned whether I should bet my life on a raw thing that looked like a booger. 

Luckily for me, that was sooooo long ago that I don't remember it, so for now, my unwavering love for oysters continues! They are coming in hot right now in NC too. The Hubby and I are always following Locals Seafood to know what is coming in fresh from the NC coast. The other night, we got several dozen Wild Harvest oysters for less than $20. The catch is that you have to clean and open them yourselves, but with the training I have from my Father, I was in good shape!

The Hubby and I prefer to eat them raw, but most people grill, bake or steam them. I found a few good recipes for folks to peruse:

• How to clean, shuck and steam oysters video
• Grilled oysters
• Oyster Stuffing
• Oyster Shooters
• Oyster Rockefeller

If you are brave enough to eat them raw, be prepared for a bit of a workout to get them open. Raw oysters are much harder to open, so the proper tool and technique is very important! A lot of helpful information can be found here on how to shuck oysters.

Then all you need to pull off your Oyster on the Half Shell plater is a few accouterments: lemon wedges, hot sauce, melted butter, chow chow or other pickled shallots.

We prefer to eat the oysters by themselves because we will eat so many, but they can be served with anything, or as an appetizer.

Check out Locals Seafood for their latest Market Selection straight from the NC coast! Happy shucking!

30/30 - #11 Oyster Stuffing

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, especially when celebrating with my Dads side of the family because I get Oyster Stuffing! Actually, every Thanksgiving we now make Oyster Stuffing because everyone in my family requests it, no, demands it! 

I know this is a strange favorite to include in my Top 30 list since it is such a seasonal recipe, but it is seriously one of my absolute favorite things to eat, even though it is loaded with gluten! 

My wonderful mother actually made a gluten free version this past Thanksgiving that was amazing. We are going to continue to perfect the gluten free version and hopefully have it ready for Thanksgiving this year. But until then, here is the original, delicious version that I can remember loving since I was a little girl!

You can find the recipe for Oyster Stuffing here.

Oyster Shooter

We love our family get togethers. They usually involve great food, a lot of laughter and some pretty delicious booze. One of our go-to special occasion drinks is an Oyster Shooter. If you are a Hegele, then skip to the next paragraph because you know what this is. For all those other folks out there, an Oyster Shooter is my second favorite way to eat a raw oyster (the first being just plain). There are four simple components:

1. Raw oyster
2. Vodka (optional, but highly suggested)
3. Bloody Mary mix (Zing Zang is the best store bought)
4. Salt and/or hot sauce

The Oyster Shooter is one that I obviously didn't try until later in my life (after 21), but one that I look forward to on holidays or family special occasions. I realize that many people don't like oysters, that they are an acquired taste, that they are an aphrodisiac....blah blah blah! That's all ok with me, but I will tell you that if you like Bloody Mary's and you like oysters, then try this combination - you will love it.

I am partial to fresh oysters, but sometimes Whole Foods has some decent ones in a jar at the seafood counter. However, there is nothing like a fresh oyster pried open with your own hands.

I know it might be random to post this drink at the end of February, but I just couldn't help myself, especially as oyster season comes to an end. I love them, my family eats (and drinks) a lot of them. They are little treasures from the sea. So enjoy this little treasure, from my family to yours! Bottoms up!

Oyster Shooter

Yields: 1 shot

Prep Time: 2 minutes

1 raw oyster (cut in half if large)

1 ounce Bloody Mary mix or tomato juice

1/2 ounce chilled Vodka

salt to taste
hot sauce to taste

In a large or tall shot glass, place the oyster at the bottom, pour in the vodka gently, then top with the Bloody Mary mix and sprinkle of salt. Cheers with the person next to you and take it down! (Remember to chew the oyster)