2 Oyster Dinner Recipes Plus Oyster Cooking Tips

Every few months my husband and I enjoy treating ourselves to a homemade oyster dinner. Most of the time we bake them in a casserole-style recipe as we don't enjoy just plain steamed oysters.

Oysters should be purchased fresh and then placed into the refrigerator and consumed as soon as possible. Some people say they can last up to 2 weeks refrigerated, but I say that is too long. I believe you should consume them within 3-4 days after purchasing them.

You can purchase a special knife that is found in kitchen and cooking stores called a oyster knife, which will help you to easily open the shell and remove the meat. You will insert the knife blade into the back hinge side of the shell and then twist it, until the shell opens.

Scalloped Oysters

1 pint oysters
1 cup fine bread crumbs
1/2 cup coarse cracker crumbs
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup oyster liquid
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon celery salt
butter for greasing the baking dish

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wash and drain oysters until they are clean. Using a 9 x 13" baking dish, rub the bottom and sides with softened butter. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs with the softened butter until mixed and crumbly, then layer bread crumbs on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the clean oysters on top of bread crumbs and then finish up with the cracker crumbs on top. Season the top layer with salt, pepper and celery salt. Finally, pour the oyster liquid over the top. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until done.

Deep-Fried Oyster Fritters

1 cup oyster meat
1/4 cup evaporated milk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Cook and drain the oysters, then remove the meat. In a large bowl, combine the evaporated milk, eggs, salt, black pepper, butter and baking powder. Stir in the flour until ingredients are combined. If the mixture is a little runny, stir in extra flour until its a thickened batter. Stir in the oyster meat and allow to stand for 5 minutes. Heat your deep fryer up to about 350 degrees and deep fry your coated oysters for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

Kids, Kitchen and Cooking - What Children Learn in the Kitchen

Here is one example of a dialogue in the kitchen which can be for children between 3 to 7 or so. From a simple exercise, children will learn a lot. The cooking exercise becomes adventurous and fun.

Shall we make some Transformers Monstrous Toast today? (You can change it to Ben Ten, Barbie doll or any cartoon characters your children are into)

Let's see - what do we need? (Allow kids to answer and be part of the decision making process on what is needed.)

We need a toaster oven. We need milk, can you say milk? Milk, that's it.

Why is milk good for you? It's for your bones and teeth so that you are strong and healthy. How would you play if you had weak bones?

We have bread, what's this? Who knows what this is? You're right. We need a spoon and who knows what this one is? Very good. It's a paintbrush. I know. We are going to paint the milk over the bread.

We're going to pour milk. What am I doing? I am pouring.

(You kind of give the answer, and then ask them the question)

What did I do? I pour. And now, let's mix some more. Look what's happening. Do you see? What's happening? You're right. Now, it's time to mix. What do I need to mix it? You're right, I need a spoon. Now, I mix it.

And they're mixing and you're helping. And remember, when you have the one that's too soggy, no problem. Don't criticize. Let them know they are doing a great job.

And don't forget those safety tips. Toddlers and young kids are extremely curious.

Keep the wires out of the way and make sure your toaster oven is in a high shelf away from curious hands. Knives too.