Makes 8 servings
24 fresh oysters, shucked, juices reserved
4 bacon slices, minced
1 onion, minced (about 11/4 cup)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
11/2 quarts milk
1 bay leaf
1 cup heavy cream, heated
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
Oyster crackers
Drain the oysters in a colander over a bowl. Reserve the juice.
Heat a soup pot over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
Add the onion to the bacon fat and cook until translucent, about 6 minutes. Do not brown.
Reduce the heat to low, add the flour, and cook, 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.
Add the milk and reserved oyster juice in batches, using a whisk to work out any lumps between each addition. Add the bay leaf and simmer, 20 minutes, skimming as necessary.
Add the whole oysters and continue to simmer until the oysters are barely cooked, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Add the hot cream and season with salt and pepper. Serve in heated bowls, garnished with the reserved bacon and oyster crackers.
-Metro Creative Graphics Inc.
