“Angels on Horseback”

• 12 oysters
• 12 small thin slices of bacon
• paprika or cayenne pepper
• ½

Beard the oysters, trim the bacon, cutting each piece just large enough to roll round an oyster, season with paprika or cayenne pepper, sprinkle on a little shallot and parsley. Lay an oyster on each, add a few drops of lemon juice, roll up tightly and secure the bacon in position with a fine skewer. Cook in a frying-pan, under the grill or in a hot oven (425° F., Gas 7), just long en