Mussels

Buy mussels that are tightly closed, wet and fresh looking. Nowadays mussels that are sold are mostly farmed but you should still wash them in several changes of cold water to remove any grit, otherwise they will be very unpleasant to eat. The simplest way to cook mussels is to pop them all in a saucepan, cover with a lid, and set over moderate heat to steam them open. You can eat them just as they are with lemon and brown bread and butter. Discard any that have remained closed. Mussels cooked this way are wonderful added to omelettes or tossed in a mayonnaise dressing and served with brown bread and butter.