BBQ Mussel Poor Boys

INGREDIENTS: 4 dozen fresh mussels, steamed and removed from the shell Creole seasoning Freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/4 cup chopped onions 2 tablespoons minced garlic 1/2 pound shrimp shells 3 bay leaves 3 lemons, peeled and sectioned 2 cups water 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce 1/4 cup dry white wine 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 cups heavy cream 2 loaves French bread, cut in half and toasted

INSTRUCTIONS:

Season the steamed mussels with Creole seasoning and pepper. Refrigerate the mussels while you make the sauce base and biscuits. Heat oil in a large pot over high heat. When the oil is hot, add the onions and garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add the shrimp shells, Creole seasoning, bay leaves, lemons, water, Worcestershire, wine, salt, and 8 turns of black pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat, allow to cool for about 15 minutes and strain into a small saucepan. There should be about 1 1/2 cups. Place over high heat, bring to a boil, and cook until thick, syrupy, and dark brown, for about 15 minutes. Makes about 4 to 5 tablespoons of barbecue sauce base. In a large sauté pan, add the cream and all of the barbecue base. Stir and simmer for 3 minutes. Add the cooked mussels to the sauce. Toss quickly. To serve, slice the French bread lengthwise and open. Spoon the BBQ mussels into the bread. Slice and serve. Yield: 4 servings.

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