Champagne Oyster Stew With Brie Cheese

Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 1 quart fresh oyster (about 32)
• 2 cups water
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 leek, cleaned and chopped ( part only)
• 3 celery ribs, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup champagne
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 8 ounces brie cheese, diced
• salt

Recipe

• 1 place shucked oysters with their liquor and water in a medium bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour. in the meantime, place a large saucepan over medium heat. add butter and oil. when butter is melted, add vegetables, herbs and seasonings. sauté until onions are translucent. sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir with a wood spoon to incorporate. cook for 1 minute. strain oysters from the liquid and reserve. add the oyster liquid to the vegetables and stir until smooth. add champagne and simmer 20 minutes. add cream and cook for another 5 minutes. add brie and turn off heat. stir until cheese is completely dissolved. strain soup through a medium sieve. return soup to a simmer then add oysters, stirring to incorporate. adjust seasoning with salt. cover and turn off heat. let sit for 5 minutes. serve in bowls with crusty sour dough french bread.