MOULES A LA MARINIERE
(Serves 4 as a starter)

Ingredients

¨       4 pints of cleaned mussels
¨       2 oz butter
¨       1 clove chopped garlic
¨       1 finely chopped onion
¨       5 fl oz dry white wine
¨       3 tablespoons double cream
¨       salt and freshly milled pepper
¨       Chopped parsley

Melt ½ of the butter in a wide bottomed deep pan, and gently fry the onion and garlic until soft.

Pour in the white wine, and when it comes to the boil, put in the mussels. Cover with a lid and leave on a high heat for 5 mins.

Remove the lid and take out the opened mussels on a warm dish. Discard all unopened mussels and empty ½ shells.

Strain the cooking liquid and return it to the pan. Simmer to reduce by ½.

Add the cream and remaining butter, salt and pepper.

Pour the sauce over the mussels and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Serve with warm fresh French bread and good dry white wine.