Instructions: This one is almost enough to get me off my duff and over to the coast to gather some mussels.

Robert Reynolds, chef/owner of Le Trou Restaurant Francais in San Francisco provides this recipe. He has used it as a vehicle for teaching his students about saffrons special qualities.

originated in the French Bordeaux region.

Steep threads in wine for 30 minutes. Saute 6 shallots in butter until limp. Add Bouquet garni and wine. Simmer for 1 minute. Add cleaned mussels, cover pan with tight-fitting lid, and steam mussels open, shaking pan occasionally. Check after 3 minutes. Remove opened mussels and set in colander over a bowl to catch their juices.

Discard any mussels not opened after 6 minutes. Saute remaining shallots in butter until limp. Add mussel juice and cream and reduce to desired consistency. Add parsley and garlic, then toss mussels in sauce until well coated. Serve in soup bowls.

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