Oyster Stew

How to make Oyster Stew Recipe - This stew appears on Christmas Eve and was also traditionally served at New England community Watch-Party services on New Year's Eve. On one rule all agree, that the stew is not to be thickened. Milk, cream or half and half is the only liquid.

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:
1 pint fresh shucked oysters in liquor
1/4 cup butter
1 cup half and half
3 cups milk
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Method:
Put oysters and butter into a medium-sized heavy saucepan and heat slowly until edges of oysters curl. Scald half and half and milk by heating almost to boiling point.

Add hot half and half and milk to oysters. Return to boiling point; remove from heat.

Add pepper, salt and paprika. Serve immediately with oyster crackers.