Oysters with Champagne-Vinegar Mignonette

Name: Oysters with Champagne-Vinegar Mignonette
Yield: Makes 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons Champagne vinegar; 1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped shallot; Pinch of coarsely ground black pepper; Pinch of sugar; 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves; 1 1/2 cups kosher or other coarse salt; 1/2 dozen small oysters, such as Kumamoto or Prince Edward Island, shells scrubbed well, shucked, and oysters left on the half shell, their liquor reserved; oysters picked over for shell fragments; 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces; 1 small cluster Champagne grapes, or 2 finely diced seedless red grapes; Special equipment: Shallow flameproof baking dish

November 7, 2012

This traditional take on broiled oysters is an elegant way to begin a dinner party—just multiply the servings by the number of guests. The French mignonette sauce offers an acidic complement to the briny shellfish, while Champagne grapes lend fruity sweetness. If Champagne grapes are unavailable, use seedless red table grapes instead. If you feel unsure about how to shuck an oyster, just purchase them on the half shell.

Recipe notes

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.