Oysters Rockefeller

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 450F.
2. 2
   Open the oysters, leaving them on the half shell and reserving the oyster liquor.
3. 3
   Pick over spinach and remove any tough stems and blemished leaves.
4. 4
   Rinse well and put in a saucepan.
5. 5
   Cover and cook, stirring, until spinach is wilted.
6. 6
   Cook briefly and drain well.
7. 7
   Squeeze to remove excess moisture.
8. 8
   Blend or put through a food mill.
9. 9
   There should be approximately 2 cups.
10. 10
    Put the scallions, celery, and parsley into the container of an electric blender and blend.
11. 11
    There should be approximately 1 cup finely blended.
12. 12
    Chop the anchovies and garlic together finely.
13. 13
    Heat 4 tbsp.
14. 14
    butter in a skillet and add the scallion and celery mixture.
15. 15
    Stir for 1 minute and add the anchovie mixture.
16. 16
    Cook, stirring, for 1 minute and add the spinach.
17. 17
    Stir to blend.
18. 18
    Heat remaining 4 tbsp.
19. 19
    butter in a saucepan and add the flour.
20. 20
    Blend, stirring with a wire whisk, and add oyster liquor, stirring vigorously with the whisk.
21. 21
    Stir in the cream.
22. 22
    Season with tabasco to taste.
23. 23
    Do not add salt.
24. 24
    Add the spinach mixture and Pernod.
25. 25
    Let cool.
26. 26
    Spoon equal portions of the mixture on top of the oysters and smooth over the tops.
27. 27
    Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
28. 28
    Bake about 25 minutes or until piping hot.