Spice up your soiree with an exotic seafood appetizer. "I love to set a beautiful table and serve fun drinks and a delicious meal," says lifestyle expert Colin Cowie.
Servings: Serves 6
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 shallot , finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1 stalk lemongrass , trimmed and cut into 4 pieces, each smashed with side of chef's knife
  • 3 pounds medium mussels , scrubbed, debearded, and rinsed (see note, below)
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 jalapeno , seeded and thinly sliced
  • 1 lime , cut into wedges
    • Directions
    Melt the butter in a 5- to 6-quart pot over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook 1 minute, or until softened. Stir in the curry powder. Add the coconut milk, wine, and lemongrass. Cook for 3 minutes.

    Add the mussels and stir well. Turn up the heat to high and bring the broth to a boil. Reduce the heat slightly, cover, and cook 4 to 6 minutes, or until all mussels open. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the mussels as they open to a large bowl. (Remove and discard any that don't open.) Season broth with salt and pepper. Transfer equal portions of the mussels and broth to 6 bowls. Sprinkle with jalapeno and serve with lime wedges on the side.

    Note: Always cook mussels on the day you purchase them. Never pry open a cooked mussel. If it hasn't opened on its own, it's not meant to be eaten.
    From the Summer 2007 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

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