Mussels in Fennel Sauce
Ingredients
  • 6 dozen mussels scrubbed, debearded
  • 8 tablespoons butter cut into pats, separated
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup finely chopped fennel bulb
  • 1/2 cup court bouillon see recipe
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper
  • Chives fresh, chopped
  • Fennel herb, chopped
Instructions
  1. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a heavy pot. Add in the shallot and cook over medium heat until softened. Add in the mussels, white wine, fennel bulb, and the court bouillon.
  2. Cover, and bring to a boil. Steam the mussels, shaking the pan occasionally to stir them up, for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the mussels steam open. Remove mussels with a slotted spoon, and remove the meat from the shells. Reserve.
  3. Strain the liquid, pressing on the solids to extract any left over liquid, and bring it to a boil. Reduce until there is about a cup of liquid. Add in the cream, and boil gently until the sauce coats the back of a wooden spoon. Whisk in the remaining butter pats.
  4. Add back the mussel meat, and season with salt and pepper. Just before serving, stir in the chopped chives and fennel tops.
  5. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes

Adapted from The Good Cook: Shellfish.