Appetizer Mussels

What timing! Although I have eaten mussels many times, October 17 was the very first time I cooked them, and (if I do say so myself!) they were great. A friend and I ate every last one, and he raved about the flavor the whole time. This is my own recipe.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Calories: 215 Calories

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ¾ cup white wine
• 1 pound mussels, cleaned and debearded
• ¾ cup tomato and clam juice cocktail
• 3 cloves garlic - peeled and sliced

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

In a stock pot, combine the wine, juice cocktail, garlic and pepper flakes. Bring to a boil and add mussels.

Step 2

Cover and continue to boil for about 4 to 6 minutes or until all the mussels have opened. Discard any mussels that haven't opened.

Step 3

Remove mussels from liquid and keep warm. Pour off liquid to leave about 1 cup. Try not to discard the garlic. Boil the 1 cup of liquid until it's reduced to about 3/4 of a cup.

Step 4

Add butter and stir until butter has melted and sauce has thickened slightly. Serve mussels with sauce.