May 1, 2002

Mussels have a delicate flavor that is described as the saltiness of a clam combined with the richness of an oyster. This is why mussels lend themselves to simple recipes that do not overpower their subtle taste. Forget about paella, cioppino and bouillabaisse that require a dozen ingredients and extra prep time. Even the most casual home chef can prepare a great meal with mussels and use just two ingredients.

Great Eastern Mussel Farms of Maine is the largest processor in the country, and Terence Callery is the Sales manager. He explains that "Visitors to our web site, www.eatmussels.com, usually go to the simplest recipes because they want fast and easy meals."

Here are five easy recipes that require two pounds of fresh live mussels and only two other ingredients to prepare:

Maryland-Style Mussels: Add half a bottle of beer and a teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning with two pounds of mussels. Steam on high heat for five minutes until the mussels pop open. Toss once for even cooking.

Mexican Half-Shell Mussels: Steam mussels in a cup of water for five minutes or until the shells pop open. Remove the top shell and place the mussels on the half-shell on a cookie sheet. Put a teaspoon of mild salsa on top of each mussel. Place a small chunk of Monterey jack cheese on top of each mussel and broil four inches from the broiler until the cheese melts and begins to brown (two minutes).

Steamed Garlicky Mussels: Mince two or three cloves of garlic and steam garlic and mussels with a cup of white wine in a covered pot over high heat for five minutes. Toss once for even cooking.

Thai Red Curry Mussels: Dissolve a teaspoon of red Thai curry paste in a cup of chicken broth. Add to mussels in pot and steam covered over high heat for five minutes or until the shells open.

Salsa Steamed Mussels: Pour one cup of white wine over mussels and add a 10 oz. jar of mild salsa. Cover the pot and steam over high heat for five minutes, tossing once for even cooking. Pour some of the sauce over the mussels when serving.