Make Valentine's Day Sizzle:

4 Easy Steps to Grilled Oysters And Mussels

Courtesy of www.TasteeBQ.com

Smoked Mussels with Spinach, Garlic and Bacon

Are you thinking about spending a romantic night at home, rather than going to a crowded Bistro? The outdoor Grill can be your friend. This restaurant quality Recipe is simple to prepare, and can take less than an hour to make. Even if you can't use it for Valentine's Day. keep it on your short list to try for next time (you fire up the grill). This goes great as a delicious Appetizer, or Main Entree with a side of Pasta.

Grilled Oysters/ Mussels with Spinach and Smoked Bacon in 4 Easy Steps

1. Fire up the Grill

2. Clean and assemble the Oysters and Mussels

3. Smoke Mussels, Oysters and Bacon.

4. Prepare Spinach/Garlic Butter Mix and Garlic Heart Toast (optional)

Step One: Fire up the Grill

1. Soak 1 Cup Wood Chips in a Bowl or Ziplock bag (double in case of leaks)

2. Preheat one half of Grill to Medium.

3. When ready add 1/4 Cup soaked Wood Chips to coals or smoking box

4. Lay 3-4 Thick Bacon Slices (Turkey ok) on Grill farthest from heat,

Step Two: Clean and Assemble Oysters and Mussels

1. Rinse off 1lb. each Fresh Oysters and Mussels (pre-steamed ok), removing

any traces of sand.

2. Place Oysters and Mussels in single layer in an aluminum pan or make your own

double-ply foil basket(s).

Tip- Odd shaped Oysters may be stabilized by propping with Mussels. Some people also add Course Salt and/or Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Fennel, or Rosemary) to pan.

Step Three: Smoke Mussels, Oysters and Bacon

Smoked Oysters with Barbeque Rub, Garlic Heart Toast

1. Bacon Slices are already on grill farthest from heat, give them a flip.

2. Place Foil Baskets or Pans of Oyster/Mussels on unheated middle, next to

heat (not directly on it).

2. Allow Seafood to Smoke on Grill for 12-15 minutes.

3. Check in about 8-10 minutes, flip everything once Mussels start to open.

4. Replenish Wood Chips as needed (every 10-15 minutes) to maintain smoke.

Step Four: Prepare Spinach/Garlic Mix

Smoked Mussels with Spinach, Garlic and Bacon, Garlic Heart Toast

1. For Garlic Heart Toast, use Cookie Cutter to shape 4 slices of

Thick Sliced Italian or Sourdough Bread

2. Mix 1/2 Cup Softened Butter (or Margarine) with 2 tbsp.Garlic and Thyme.

Season with Salt Pepper, and 1 tbsp. BBQ Dry Seasoning.

3. Spread some of Mixture over each side of Bread.

3. Chop Spinach, fold into Butter/Garlic Mixture

4. Put pinch of Spinach Mixture onto each Mussel for final 3-4 minutes,

until butter melts.

5. Grill Heart Toast 1-2 minutes per side.

6. Move Bacon to Heat for 1-2 minutes until crispy

For MUSSELS-

-Place on platter, sprinkle with Crumbled Smoked Bacon. Garnish with Toast, Lemon and Green Herb Garnish (if available).

For OYSTERS-

-Find open corner, carefully open each shell with paring Knife (padded Oven Gloves recommended). Move to platter, sprinkle each with Lemon Wedge and BBQ Dry Seasoning. Garnish with Toast, Lemon and Green Herb Garnish.

Have a Happy Valentine's Day.