BARBARA'S MUSSELS

Steps:

• Rinse and scrub the mussels in cold water. Fill a large pot 1-inch deep with water and bring to a boil. Add the mussels and boil gently until the shells just open, 5 to 7 minutes. Pour off half the liquid and keep rest of the liquid in the pot with the mussels. Discard any mussels that did not open. Add the wine, tomatoes, butter, garlic, basil, and shallots, and cook slowly on low heat (keep stirring occasionally) for about 20 minutes. Serve the mussels in a large bowl with hot crusty bread and salad.
• notes
• *For plumper, more succulent mussels, place the mussels in a pot of cold water and stir in 1/2 cup flour; refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. Drain the mussels and rinse in cold water.
• **This may sound like too much garlic but it really isn't.