Basic Creamy Oyster Chowder

Ingredients

• 1 quart oysters (or 25 oysters) in their own liquor
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 cup scalded milk or cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Dash of cayenne or paprika

Method

1. 1 Scald oysters in their own liquor until plump or gills curl; remove immediately to prevent hardening.
2. 2 Add 1 cup water to the oyster liquor.
3. 3 Make a roux with butter and flour, then dilute with the oyster liquor mixture until smooth.
4. 4 Stir in scalded milk or cream and season with salt, pepper, and cayenne or paprika.
5. 5 Return oysters to the soup, heat through, and serve immediately.