NEW YEAR'S OYSTERS ON THE SHELL

Green Apple Mignonette

❚ 2 1/2 tbsp (40 mL) finely minced green apple (about 1/4 small apple)

❚ 1 small shallot, finely minced (about 1 tbsp)

❚ 1/4 tsp (1 mL) granulated sugar

❚ 1/4 tsp (1 mL) sea salt

❚ 1/2 cup (125 mL) white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar

❚ 1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) lemon juice

❚ 24 fresh, small, sweet oysters such as Miyagi or Kusshi

1. To make the mignonette, combine the apple, shallot, sugar, salt, vinegar and lemon juice in a small bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit in the fridge for at least 20 minutes and up to 1 hour.

2. Fill a deep, wide platter with crushed ice. Shuck the oysters and place them on the half-shell on the ice. Serve with a dish of mignonette. Add about 1/4 tsp mignonette to each oyster before slurping back with pleasure.

Makes: 24 oysters and 1/2 cup (125 mL) mignonette