MUSSELS IN WHITE WINE SAUCE

Steps:

• Make Lemon Butter Sauce as follows:.
• Melt 4 tbsp of the butter over low heat.
• When melted, remove from heat and set aside for several minutes to allow the milk solids to settle to the bottom.
• Skim the clear (clarified) butter from the top and discard sediment. (This can be done ahead.).
• Now make the sauce for the Mussels:.
• Heat clarified butter.
• Add onion and garlic and saute until transparent.
• Add lemon juice and white wine and season to taste with salt and pepper. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes to reduce liquid.
• Remove from heat and swirl in remaining 2 tablespoons cold butter until sauce is smooth and emulsified.
• Soak mussels in cold water for several minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush and remove "beard" (the little tuft of fibers protruding from the shell), either with a sharp knife or by pulling on it with a damp cloth.
• Rinse mussels again in cold water.
• Heat olive oil in a 10-inch skillet; add mussels.
• Cover with another 10-inch skillet or lid and cook until shells begin to open, about 2 minutes.
• Remove top and add onion and garlic and toss.
• Cover pan again and cook for 1 minute.
• Remove top and add pernod, basil, lemon juice and lemon butter sauce.
• Return to flame for 30 to 45 seconds with top off skillet.
• Discard any mussels that did not open.
• Serve warm in a deep bowl.
• ENJOY!