Ahoy There! Moules Marinières - French Sailor's Mussels

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 lbs of fresh live mussels (1kg )
• 2 chopped garlic cloves
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 5 fluid ounces dry white wine (150ml)
• 2 ounces butter (55 g)
• fresh herb (1 large handful of finely chopped parsley, oregano and tarragon mixed)
• 4 tablespoons cream or creme fraiche
• salt and pepper

Directions

1. 1

   Place the live mussels in fresh water. Scrub and debeard the mussels (see the photos), discarding any that are open, broken or cracked.

2. 2

   Fry the chopped onion and chopped garlic cloves (over medium heat) in a little butter (or oil) in the biggest saucepan you have. Add half of the finely chopped fresh herbs - I have used a mixture of parsley, oregano and tarragon. Season with black pepper, wait to season with salt to taste later.

3. 3

   Add the white wine to the butter and herbs, and then tip in the freshly cleaned mussels - turn up the heat to high. Cover the pan and let the mussels steam for about 5 minutes. Shake the pan every minute or so to coat the mussels in the liquid.

4. 4

   Take the pan off the heat and add the double cream or creme fraiche; then add of the remaining finely chopped herbs. Mix through thoroughly. That's it! Enjoy with crusty bread, frites and a chilled white wine -- divine!

5. 5

   NB: Discard any mussels that don't open during cooking. (see photos).