Christmas is a time for traditions. Every family has its own special ways to spend this blessed day and those leading up to it. Whether it’s a cherished ornament to put on the tree, a favorite holiday decoration a loved one gave you, or a special dish or treat that brings back memories of holidays past, everyone has some sort of tradition.
One of my favorite holiday traditions is having a big bowl of oyster stew on Christmas Eve. It originated with my grandmother on my mom’s side of the family, and I’ve carried it on in ours. Although homemade pizza wasn’t something my grandmother was even aware of in her time, my mother liked to make one to go along with the oyster stew, and I continue that tradition with our family, too.
Christmas wouldn’t be the same at our house without this combination, and most of our kids have continued the tradition with their families as well. Some of the grandkids, though, aren’t particularly fond of oysters, so they prefer to make the stew with clams instead. None of them, however, refuse the homemade pizza!
To make the stew with clams instead of oysters, substitute a 6.5-ounce can of clams for the oysters and just follow the rest of the Oyster Stew recipe. Either way, the stew is delicious and warming on cold evenings, and not just at Christmas but any winter day.
CHRISTMAS EVE OYSTER STEW
1/4 cup butter
1 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onions
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 cup water
3 cups evaporated milk OR Half and Half
1/4 cup flour mixed in 1/2 cup water
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 (12-ounce) can of oysters
2 dashes Louisiana-style hot sauce, optional
Real bacon bits
Oyster crackers, optional
In a 2-quart saucepan or Dutch oven, melt butter on low heat, then add celery, onions, potatoes and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add water and continue to cook a few more minutes until vegetables become soft. Add oysters OR clams (with liquid) to vegetables and continue to cook a few more minutes.
Pour milk slowly into oyster mixture and cook on medium heat until it begins to boil. Mix 1/4 cup flour with the 1/2 cup of water until smooth, then slowly pour the mixture into the hot oyster mix until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper and add dried parsley.
You may add a couple of dashes of hot sauce, if desired. Ladle into serving bowls and sprinkle with real bacon bits and oyster crackers, if desired. Serve immediately. The stew is good with a sandwich or slice of pizza.
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