Episode 4 : Oyster Shuck-Off
Oysters are loved throughout the world, but before you enjoy them, you have to get past that shell. Oyster shucking can be hazardous, and it requires practice to do it just right without mangling the prized oyster or losing a finger. In this episode, Bob will learn the technique of oyster shucking before traveling to the Oyster Festival in Urbanna, Virginia, and entering the Oyster Shucking Competition. Speed is only one element of the competition. Presentation is the other. Bob's challenge is to crash the world of elite shuckers and become a contender in just one week. His reward? To walk away triumphant, and with all ten digits intact.
Recipe:
Kicked Up Bloody Mary Oyster Shooters, from Surreal Bites (buy here)
Bloody Oyster Shooters (yield: 12 shooters)
Nothing kick-starts a Sunday brunch better than a freshly shucked oyster swimming in a shot of Bloody Caesar (a Bloody Mary made with Clamato juice) and topped with freshly grated horseradish.
- Ingredients:
- 8 ounces Clamato juice or tomato juice, chilled
- 4 ounces lemon vodka
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice + 1 lemon wedge
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 shakes Worcestershire sauce, or to taste
- 3 shakes Tabasco sauce, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons celery salt or regular salt
- 12 oysters, shucked
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated horseradish or ¼ - ½ teaspoon prepared horseradish
Method:
In a small pitcher, mix Clamato juice, vodka, lemon juice, salt, pepper, Worcestershire, and Tabasco. If fresh horseradish is not available, add prepared horseradish now.
Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Place celery salt on a small saucer ¼ inch deep. Moisten the rims of 12 shot glasses with the lemon wedge, then dip in celery salt.
Stir Caesar mix, then fill shot glasses 3/4 full. Drop an oyster in each glass and sprinkle with horseradish. Say hello to the new day.
uncommon goods: shot glasses; fresh horseradish; oysters
level of difficulty: Once you open the oyster, the rest is a breeze.
active prep: 25 minutes
inactive prep: 1 hour
shortcuts: Use pre-shucked oysters, available in jars. For best quality, purchase at fish stores.
advance work: Bloody Caesar mix can be made up to 2 days in advance; oysters can be shucked and refrigerated in their own liquor up to a few hours in advance.
music to cook by: Blue Öyster Cult, Agents of Fortune is the thinking man's heavy metal.
