ANGELS ON HORSEBACK
24 pieces

No angels, no horses; a fanciful name for a time-tested combination.

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Shuck, or drain if shucked:

  • 24 medium oysters

Set aside. Spread:

  • 8 slices firm white bread

with:

  • 4 tablespoons (½ stick) butter, softened

Using a biscuit or cookie cutter, cut the slices into twenty-four 2-inch rounds. Place on a rimmed baking sheet and toast in the oven until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer the toasts to a platter. Cut in half:

  • 12 very thin slices bacon, prosciutto, or ham

If desired, spread one side of each bacon slice lightly with:

  • (Anchovy paste)

Wrap a slice of bacon or ham (anchovy side in) around each oyster and place seam side down on a wire rack set in the rimmed baking sheet. Turn the oven to broil. Broil the oysters until the bacon is cooked or the ham is crisp, about 10 minutes. Place the oysters on the toasts and sprinkle with:

  • 3 tablespoons minced parsley
Own a physical copy? Find this recipe on page 65–66.

Appetizers and Hors d’Oeuvre