'A WHITE ROSE BREATHES OF LOVE' ~ MOULES A LA MARINIERE / FROZEN WHITE CHOCOLATE PIE with RASPBERRIES
MOULES A LA MARINIERE (Fresh mussels steamed in white wine & herbs) ~ A favorite simple romantic Valentine dinner (Julia knows) from Mastering the Art of French Cooking _________ 6 quarts scrubbed and debearded mussels 2 cups light, dry white wine or 1 cup vermouth 1/2 cup minced shallots (or green onions) 8 parsley sprigs 1/2 bay leaf 1/4 tsp. thyme 1/8 tsp. freshly cracked pepper 6 Tbsp. butter 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley Bring wine to boil in 8-10 quart kettle with shallots, parsley, bay leaf, thyme, cracked pepper and butter. Boil 2-3 minutes to evaporate alcohol and reduce volume slightly. Add mussels to kettle. Cover tightly and boil quickly over high heat. With thumbs clamped to cover, frequently toss mussels up and down with slightly jerky motion so mussels change levels and cook evenly. In about 5 minutes the shells will swing open and mussels are done. (Discard any that are still closed.) With big skimmer, dip mussels into wide soup plates. Allow cooking liquid to set...