Oysters Casino

Ingredients

• 4 strips bacon
• 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon minced shallots
• 1 tablespoon chopped roasted red pepper
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Pinch cayenne
• 2 dozen oysters, shucked, liquor and bottom shells reserved

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Place the bacon on a baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool. Cut each strip into 6 equal portions, for a total of 24 pieces.

Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F.

In a bowl, using a rubber spatula, cream together the butter, shallots, pepper, garlic, parsley, salt, lemon juice, and cayenne.

Place the reserved oyster shells on a large sheet pan and place 1 oyster inside of each. Spoon a small amount of oyster liquor onto each oyster, top with 1 teaspoon of the flavored butter and 1 bacon piece. Bake until bubbly and firm, about 15 minutes.

Remove the oysters from the oven. Arrange 4 oysters on each of 4 plates and serve immediately.