Barbaras Mussels

Directions

1. 1
   Rinse and scrub the mussels in cold water.
2. 2
   Fill a large pot 1-inch deep with water and bring to a boil.
3. 3
   Add the mussels and boil gently until the shells just open, 5 to 7 minutes.
4. 4
   Pour off half the liquid and keep rest of the liquid in the pot with the mussels.
5. 5
   Discard any mussels that did not open.
6. 6
   Add the wine, tomatoes, butter, garlic, basil, and shallots, and cook slowly on low heat (keep stirring occasionally) for about 20 minutes.
7. 7
   Serve the mussels in a large bowl with hot crusty bread and salad.
8. 8
   *For plumper, more succulent mussels, place the mussels in a pot of cold water and stir in 1/2 cup flour; refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
9. 9
   Drain the mussels and rinse in cold water.
10. 10
    **This may sound like too much garlic but it really isnt.