valentine's day recipe: raw oysters & bubbly

Oysters--are they really an aphrodisiac? Yes.

Check out this article describing the creamy, briny, oyster as “one of the most notorious aphrodisiacs,” and “. . . high in zinc and have a reputation for being great for love and fertility. Researchers recently found that oysters contain amino acids that trigger production of sex hormones.” The article also references chili peppers giving our Chimichurri sauce extra aphrodi-si-points.

a few "what the shuck" FAQs . . .

Where can I buy them? If you're coastal, they should be easy to find at your local fish monger. But for us landlubbers in Santa Fe, 700 miles to the nearest ocean beach, it's your neighborhood Whole Foods. Check with the store on Cerrillos {505.992.1700} or St Francis {505.983.5333} for price and availability: Friday is 1.00 oyster day! Otherwise, they'll cost you about 1.50 for each precious jewel of the sea. Whole Foods will shuck'em if you ask.

To shuck or not to shuck? That is the question. Well, un-shucked will stay fresh for a few days. Shucked oysters will need to be eaten within a few hours {5 or 6 maximum}. I say, shuck them just before eating for maximum aphrodi-si-activity.

What the shuck? Or rather, how to shuck and clean an oyster? An oyster knife helps, but you can use a flathead screwdriver or work very carefully with a small knife and kitchen towel. Here this video with Chef Rich Vellante, Legal Seafood, Boston showing the “towel technique” for shucking.

What are the important 3Cs of oyster preparation? Clean, Cut, and Cold--serve well chilled and on ice--for maximum aphrodisi-ac-ceptional oysters!