Oyster plates make a beautiful presentation for the delicacy of raw oysters.
Properly preparing an oyster plate is an elegant way to present this delicate appetizer. Oyster plates are the traditional way to serve raw oysters and allow you to serve thems by keeping the shells in place. Oyster plates also allow the oysters to set on a bed of ice without becoming watery. Traditionally, they have a well in the middle that holds either the lemon or any accompanying sauces you choose to serve with the oysters.
Instructions
1. Inspect the oysters you have bought to make sure that none of them are open or cracked. These oysters could be spoiled and should be discarded.
2. Wash the oysters by scrubbing them with a kitchen brush to loosen the debris and hard deposits on the shell. You may need to use a knife to work off some of the more stubborn encrustations.
3. Wrap the back of the oyster with a thick cloth. This will protect your hand in case the oyster knife slips. Place the edge of the oyster knife between the oyster's halves and twist as if you are turning a screwdriver, prying the oyster open.
4. Using your oyster knife, carefully cut the muscle away from the shell. This will mean sliding the knife horizontally along the top of the bottom half of the shell. This will give you a perfectly halved oyster.
5. Run the knife under the inside of the bottom oyster shell to loosen the oyster meat. Remove any bits of debris and put this shell half into the oyster plate.
6. Set your oyster plate on a bed of ice and place the lemon wedges or any serving sauces in the middle well. Serve to your guests immediately.
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