Angels on Horseback

Ingredients 12 oysters in shells Coarse rock salt or aluminum foil 3 slices lean bacon 2 tablespoons minced parsley 1 clove garlic (minced) 1/4 cup dry white wine (with or without alcohol) 12 drops hot red pepper sauce Nutritional Information 1 oyster: Calories 23 Saturated Fat 0g Total Fat 1g Protein 2g Carbohydrate 1g Fiber 0g Sodium 45mg Cholesterol 9mg

Introduction: Oysters curl as they cook, resembling angel wings and giving this New Orleans appetizer its name. Makes 12 appetizers. Preparation time:15 minutes. Cooking time: 3 minutes. Step 1: Buy the oysters the day you plan to cook. Ask your fishmonger to shuck them, leaving them on the half shell and reserving the liquor. Cover the oysters and liquor and refrigerate. Step 2: Preheat the broiler. Line a broiling pan or shallow baking pan with the rock salt or a layer of crushed foil. Cut each slice of bacon in half crosswise, then lengthwise. In a small bowl, mix the parsley with the garlic. Step 3: Place the oysters in their shells in the prepared pan. Top each oyster with a piece of bacon, then about 1/2 teaspoon of the parsley mixture. Top each oyster with a little white wine, oyster liquor, and a drop of red pepper sauce. Broil 4 inches from the heat for 3 minutes or until the oysters curl at the edges and the bacon browns. Serve immediately.