VODKA SPIKED MUSSELS

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp dill weed
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1/8 tsp hot pepper sauce
• 4 lb mussels, rinsed and scrubbed
• 1 tbsp butter, softened
• 1 tbsp flour

Directions

1. In a Dutch oven, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic in butter for 2 minutes. Stir in vodka, lemon juice, dill, salt and pepper.
2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes. Stir in cream and hot pepper sauce; bring to a boil.
3. Add mussels to pan; cover and return to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring once, until mussels open, about 7 - 10 minutes.
4. Discard any unopened mussels.
5. Combine 1 tbsp butter and flour to make a smooth paste. Stir butter mixture into simmering liquid and cook 2 minutes.
6. Ladle mussels and liquid into shallow bowls.
7. Serve with baguette slices.