Rockin' Oysters Rockefeller!

Total Time: 45 mins Preparation Time: 35 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients

• 4 dozen oysters, shucked on the half shell
• 8 slices turkey bacon
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 shallots, minced (about a 1/4 cup)
• 8 cups baby spinach leaves (2 bags)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup , pernod, etc
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 dash hot sauce (optional)
• 1 cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
• 1 ounce , pernod
• 1/2 cup fresh parmesan cheese, shredded (shredded italian blend works too)

Recipe

• 1 cook bacon in large skillet until crisp and set aside. reserve 1 tbl. of drippings and melt butter in same pan over medium heat.
• 2 add shallots and garlic, saute 2 minutes being careful not to burn the garlic or it will make dish bitter.
• 3 add as much spinach as can fit in pan and finely crumbled bacon, along with nutmeg and a pinch of salt and pepper. add more spinach as it wilts, folding or stirring as you go.
• 4 when all the spinach has wilted, make a well in bottom of pan and turn heat to medium high. when most of the juice has evaporated from the well and heat has risen, add to deglaze pan.
• 5 stir mixture until has reduced by over half, then add cream. bring mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and add grated parmesan cheese.
• 6 simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring as cheese melts and mix thickens. season to taste with salt, pepper, hot sauce.
• 7 stir in remaining 1 oz. of and take off heat to cool. if you are opting to use breadcrumbs, stir in at this time.
• 8 arrange oysters on baking sheet, using a bed of rock salt to stabilize if necessary, crumpled foil works as well. top with spoonfuls of spinach mixture, then sprinkle with a little shredded cheese.
• 9 bake at 450 degrees for 10-12 minutes, until cheese is melted and top is slightly browned. serve with lemon wedges if desired. enjoy!