Marinated Mussel Salad



2 pounds PanaPesca® Whole Shell Mussels
1 1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup onions, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1 tablespoon fresh parsley
1 bay leaf
3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp lemon peel, grated
pinch cayenne pepper
lemon wedges
salt and freshly ground pepper

1. Bring white wine, chopped onion to a boil. Add shellfish, cover and braise until mussels open, about 5 minutes. Transfer mussels to plate, reserving cooking liquid.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet; add minced garlic and sauté for one minute; do not burn. Add fresh herbs, stir, and cook another minute. Add mussel cooking liquid, vinegar, paprika, lemon peel and cayenne. Season and transfer to a bowl. Remove mussel meats from shells and add to contents of bowl; reserve half of the shells for presentation. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
3. Arrange reserved mussel shells on platter. Place single mussel meat in each shell. Dress with marinade. Garnish with lemon wedges and chopped parsley, if desired.


Yield: 8 servings