Broiled Mussels With Herb Butter

Ingredients

• 4 1/2 lbs fresh mussels, scrubbed clean
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 2 garlic cloves
• 6 parsley sprigs, chopped
• 6 basil leaves, chopped (optional)
• 2 ounces butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

1. 1

   Discard any mussels that are open. Put the closed mussels into a pan, pour over the wine and bring to the boil.

2. 2

   Cook until the shells have opened, discarding any that do not open. Strain the liquor through muslin.

3. 3

   Crush the garlic in a mortar, add the herbs and pound. Add the butter and cheese, pound to a smooth paste.

4. 4

   Discard the empty half shell from each mussel.

5. 5

   Spread the remaining mussel shell with the herb butter and arrange the shells on individual ovenproof dishes. Moisten with a little of the strained liquor.

6. 6

   Brown under a preheated hot broiler. Serve at once, garnished with basil or parsley.