Perfectly Parisian

Last night I declared it "happy cooking night." Remember a few posts back, when I said my wheelhouse for cooking involved a drink and taking my time? Well, Mondays are still pretty open, so minus the drink, it was happy cooking time. And mussels - moules frites, to be exact - were on the menu. Seafood seems to be my latest pregnancy craving so thankfully I can eat most seafood- fried oysters, lobster, mussels, fish tacos, etc.

I've tried making mussels at home once before, a couple years ago. I remember it didn't go so well- the mussels didn't open up like at restaurants, so I left them in the pot too long and then they were rubbery. It was for Brian and a friend, who said they were good, but I was highly disappointed. When I told Brian I was considering trying mussels again he cheered me on, saying "I'll bet you're ready to tackle them again - go for it!"

This was halfway through.

Two things happened differently this time:

1. I bought the mussels at the best public fish market in town, St. Paul's Fish Market, in the Third Ward. I thought they would be really pricy, but was surprised to pick up a 2lb bag for under $8. They are flown in 4 times a week, so I'm willing to bet they're very fresh.

2. I used the mussels frites recipe from The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook. There are couple mussels recipes on her website, this recipe and this recipe are very close, so if you don't have the cookbook, I'd start there. However, if you do have the cookbook, do not wait almost a year to make these!! The mussels opened up beautifully and tasted like wine, butter and the sea. I'd also say that the fries were the best I have ever made at home, hands down.

Fancy Salad

I threw together a quick french inspired salad, with pears, fennel, walnuts and a Dijon vinaigrette and threw a baguette on the table. I meant to toast slices of the baguette, but let me tell you, once those mussels are in the pot, you had better be ready to sit down and eat! They take 3-6 minutes and you don't want to be tearing lettuce at that time.

Bowl of shells after we had finished.

After this success, I told Brian I can't wait to try mussels steamed open in beer, curry spiked sauce, etc. A new seafood has officially made it to our table!