Mussels Hoegaarden Recipes

MUSSELS IN LAGER

Steps:

• Heat butter in a wide 5- to 6-quart heavy pot over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then cook onion, celery, tomatoes, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 4 minutes.
• Add beer and bring just to a boil. Add mussels and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until mussels open wide, 4 to 6 minutes, transferring them to a bowl as they open. (Discard any mussels that remain unopened after 6 minutes.) Remove pot from heat. Stir together mustard and cream in a small bowl, then add mixture along with parsley to hot broth and whisk until combined. Discard bay leaf. Serve sauce over mussels.

MUSSELS STEAMED IN BEER WITH CRèME FRAîCHE, HERBS, AND PARMESAN CROUTONS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Combine bread cubes, Parmesan, and oil in medium bowl; sprinkle with salt and toss to coat. Spread bread cubes evenly on rimmed baking sheet. Bake until bread cubes are crisp and golden around edges, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool.
• Mix parsley, chives, tarragon, and chervil, if desired, in small bowl. Whisk crème fraîche and both mustards in another small bowl to blend; set aside.
• Melt butter in extra-large pot with lid over high heat. Add garlic and thyme; stir 1 minute. Add mussels, tomatoes, and green onions. Pour beer over, then add crème fraîche mixture; sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. Cover tightly with lid and cook until steam appears, about 3 minutes. Add half of fresh herb mixture and stir until mussels and herbs are gently mixed. Cover tightly with lid again and cook until mussels open, 4 to 5 minutes (discard any mussels that do not open).
• Using slotted spoon, divide mussels among 6 bowls. Season mussel juices lightly with salt and pepper, then pour juices over each serving. Sprinkle each serving with Parmesan croutons and remaining herb mixture and serve.
• * Available at most supermarkets and at specialty foods stores.

MUSSELS HOEGAARDEN

Steps:

• Wash the mussels in cold running water.
• Pull off any stringy "beards" and throw away any mussels that fail to close after tapping them firmly.
• Get out a large, heavy saucepan with a tight fitting lid and place it over a high heat.
• Add the mussels, Hoegaarden and onion, then immediately cover with the lid.
• Give the pan a shake once in a while to move the mussels around.
• As soon as the mussels have all opened, add the cream.
• Boil for 30 seconds or so, remove from the heat and add the parsley.
• Serve with a crusty bread for mopping up the sauce and a big plate of french fries and mayonnaise!