Although you can essentially enjoy the briny bivalve all year round, it's widely known that oysters are best eaten in months that have a letter "R." Oysters are delicious on the half shell, but my favorite way to prepare them is casino-style. Bacon and butter make everything taste better! The best thing about this recipe is that it can be prepared in advance. The herb butter will keep for a Read more

I'll never turn down a raw oyster, but when it comes to wooing someone with a cozy, baked version of the supposed aphrodisiac, this creole recipe is absolutely seductive. These oysters often get me invited back to parties (as long as I bring the oysters) and succeed in winning over oyster haters. Shuck your own oysters and serve them on the half shell, or buy a couple pints preshucked and bake Read more

It's well-known lore that oysters can really titillate the palate (among other things), so I consulted Parke Ulrich, executive chef at Waterbar Restaurant in San Francisco, for tips on crafting the perfect oyster plate at home. Constructing a carefully curated selection of oysters is a bit of an art, much like creating a cheese plate. According to Chef Ulrich, oysters "have a great sense of Read more

While dining out at your local seafood joint or your neighborhood bistro, you've undoubtedly encountered them by the dozen (or half). Oysters on the half shell are ubiquitous these days, but they're not just a restaurant treat. Many seafood markets sell them for home consumption, and the right tools and plenty of ice will see you shucking and slurping in no time. A quick squeeze of lemon juice Read more

17 ways to jazz up a leafy green salad. — Kitchen Daily No-cook meals perfect for Summer. — TLC World leaders' favorite foods. — Mouthing Off The best places to eat barbecue in the world. — NY Daily News Must make: barbecued chicken pizza with caramelized onions. — The Kitchn How to open oysters with style.— Gilt Taste Speaking of oysters, here's how chef Alex Guarnaschelli likes to Read more

If you're not a fan of raw oysters, I highly suggest you try them cooked. It's a great way to introduce your palate to the briny shellfish, and after all, what's not to love about anything that's covered in a delicious mixture of melted butter, cheese, herbs, and garlic? Although this recipe hails from Mobile, AL, I'm suggesting you make it for Mardi Gras. Buy gulf oysters and you'll be Read more

Not only did he reveal his favorite aphrodisiacs, but handsome chef David Bazirgan, of the Fifth Floor Restaurant, also shared his recipe for oyster chowder! With its creamy, velvety broth and chunks of plump oysters and soft potatoes, this chowder is to die for. At Fifth Floor, the chef serves it in a shot glass as part of an appetizer that features oysters five ways. When offering it at home as Read more

One way to affordably enjoy farm-raised oysters is to purchase them at the grocery store and eat them at home. The only problem is, you have to shuck the oysters beforehand! To make shucking quicker, take a tip from my local fishmonger and give the oysters a cold bath. Fill a large bowl with cold water and salt liberally, then add the oysters and soak for 10 minutes. This will liven them up and Read more

If you care about the future of sea life, maybe you shouldn't be eating oysters. A recent study shows over 85 percent of wild oyster reefs have disappeared, thanks to overharvesting and disease. The study, conducted by The Nature Conservancy and the University of California and published in BioScience, examined reefs across 44 ecoregions and 144 bays, excluding Japan, China, South Africa, and the Read more

Instead of joining the crowds of party-goers this New Year's Eve, I'm staying in, and I invite you to do the same! Call up some friends and host a festive and special dinner party that lasts until the countdown. Start with a luxurious duo of appetizers: oysters on the half shell with two types of sauces (cucumber mignonette and classic cocktail sauce) and a bubbling pot of cheese fondue with lots Read more