Baked Oysters with Tasso Cream

Get ready to embark on a tantalizing gastronomic journey with the Baked Oysters with Tasso Cream recipe. Crafted with passion and dedication by Taylor Hicks and his partners at Saw’s Juke Joint in Birmingham, Alabama, this dish is a celebration of their love for oysters and the joy of serving them to their esteemed guests. The pride they take in their culinary creations is evident in every delectable bite.

At the heart of this exceptional dish lies the use of Apalachicola oysters, renowned for their unmatched flavor and quality. These oysters elevate the Baked Oysters with Tasso Cream to a whole new level, making them an absolute must-try for any seafood enthusiast.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 slices white bread
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon pepper
• 3 ounces tasso ham or fully cooked chorizo, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
• 2 tablespoons chopped sweet onion
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 to 2 dashes Louisiana-style hot sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 dozen fresh oysters in the shell, scrubbed

PREPARATIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 300°. Toast the white bread slices on an ungreased baking sheet until they are lightly browned.
2. Break the toasted bread into smaller pieces and pulse them in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. Transfer the crumbs to a small bowl and combine them with melted butter, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, cook the tasso ham over medium heat until it is lightly browned. Stir occasionally and add chopped sweet onion and minced garlic, cooking them until they become tender. Stir in the heavy whipping cream and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the liquid by half, stirring occasionally, and then add the Louisiana-style hot sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and keep the sauce warm.
4. Increase the oven setting to 350°. Shuck the fresh oysters, leaving them in the half-shell, and arrange them on a rack in a shallow baking pan. Sprinkle the oysters with the prepared bread crumbs.
5. Bake the oysters for 8-10 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the oysters are plump. Just before serving, generously top the baked oysters with the delectable tasso cream sauce.

YIELD: This recipe makes 1 dozen Baked Oysters with 1½ cups of the savory tasso cream sauce.

COOKING TIME: The preparation time for this dish is 1 hour, and it requires an additional 10 minutes of baking.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Ensure the fresh oysters are well-scrubbed before shucking to remove any debris.
• Adjust the amount of Louisiana-style hot sauce according to your desired level of spiciness.

TIPS:

1. Delight your guests with a visual treat by arranging the Baked Oysters with Tasso Cream on a decorative platter before serving.
2. Pair this exquisite dish with a chilled glass of your favorite wine or a cold beer to complement the rich flavors of the oysters and the creamy sauce.

In conclusion, the Baked Oysters with Tasso Cream recipe embodies the culinary passion of Taylor Hicks and his partners at Saw’s Juke Joint in Birmingham, Alabama. This tantalizing dish showcases their love for oysters and the joy they take in serving these delectable treats to their esteemed guests. By using the finest Apalachicola oysters, the chefs at Saw’s Juke Joint ensure that every bite of the Baked Oysters with Tasso Cream is an unforgettable experience.

The harmonious blend of toasted bread crumbs, butter, and spices adds a delightful crunch to the plump and succulent oysters. The star of the dish, the tasso cream sauce, elevates the flavors to new heights with its rich and savory essence, enhanced by a touch of Louisiana-style hot sauce for a hint of spice.

This dish is a true delight for seafood enthusiasts, a perfect fusion of taste and texture. The Birmingham-inspired recipe celebrates the region’s culinary heritage and its love for quality ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a lively gathering at Saw’s Juke Joint or preparing an intimate meal at home, the Baked Oysters with Tasso Cream promise to leave a lasting impression on all who savor them.

Take your taste buds on a remarkable journey and experience the best that Alabama has to offer with this extraordinary dish. The Baked Oysters with Tasso Cream are a culinary masterpiece that embodies the passion, pride, and dedication of the chefs behind this exceptional creation.