The holiday season is underway and that means it is time to start planning for everyone's favorite meal. Whether you are planning an extravagant feast for a large group of family and friends or an intimate celebration for two, make sure there is room on your dinner table for Maryland seafood!
Everyone loves the aroma wafting from the kitchen while the holiday meal is being prepared. This year, follow in a Maryland tradition of serving "Skipjack Oyster Dressing" or treat your guests to one of the many other delicious oyster recipes listed online at www.marylandseafood.org
SKIPJACK OYSTER DRESSING
2 large stalks celery
1 medium onion
1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine or butter
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon lemon and pepper seasoning
1/8 teaspoon mace
1/8 teaspoon tarragon
1/8 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1 pint shucked Maryland oysters, with liquor
8 slices day old bread, cubed
Finely chop celery and onions. Sauté in margarine or butter until tender. Mix in seasonings. Add oysters with liquor and simmer until edges of oysters just begin to curl. Remove from heat and gently mix in bread cubes. Adjust moistness with water as desired. Makes about 4 cups dressing (allow about ½ cup per pound for fish; 1 cup per pound for poultry).
Note: For an extra special tangy taste, core and finely chop 2 medium apples and add with celery and onions when cooking. Yield will increase about ½ cup.
