OYSTER STEW

Steps:

• In large skillet, fry bacon until crisp. Remove bacon from skillet w/ slotted spoon. Reserve bacon fat.
• In large 10QT pot, sweat onions, celery and leeks in bacon fat. Add fresh thyme and lemon peel. Continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Season with S & P.
• In a separate pot, bring fish fumet to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and poach the oysters in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Cool oysters on a sheet pan and set aside.
• Strain the poaching liquid into the large pot with the veggies. Add the milk and bay leaves.
• In the large skillet melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Slowly whisk in ladles of stock to make a smooth loose mixture. Add this mix to large pot. Stir well. Add nutmeg.
• Allow soup to simmer until thickened. Check seasonings.
• Garnish: Saute potatoes and celery root in bacon fat until tender. Just before serving, toss potatoes and celery with bacon and scallions.
• Finish soup: Just before serving, stir cream into soup. Add poached oysters. Serve soup in bowls and top with potato-bacon mix.