Make mine mussels

Mussels in the half shell make a tasty hors-d’oeuvre, lunch, or dinner. Raw, cooked, or frozen mussels may be used, and the toppings can be tailored to suit all tastes.

Grilling is best, but mussels can also be microwaved in the half shell. Cooking times differ.

Raw mussels – grill 3-4 minutes, or microwave 1-2 minutes.
Cooked mussels – grill 2-3 minutes, or microwave 1 minute.
Frozen mussels – grill 5-6 minutes, or microwave 2-3 minutes.

Here are some topping suggestions. Quantities are sufficient for 8-10 mussels. Top with chopped flat leaf parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and serve with salad, and crusty bread.

Garlic butter – soften 50g butter, and combine
with 2 cloves peeled and crushed garlic.
Spread over each mussel.
Cheese and bacon – Top each mussel with
2 teaspoons finely grated cheese (tasty or parmesan), and finely chop and sauté bacon, mix in with the cheese and then add to topping to the mussels.
Herb and tomato – Combine 3 skinned and finely chopped tomatoes with 1/2 teaspoon of dried sweet basil, and a grind of black pepper. Allow one teaspoon of the mixture for each mussel.