Oysters on the half shell

On New-Years Eve we traditinally have oysters on the half shell.

Many people prefer their oysters with just a dash or twist of lemon, or a half-drop of Tabasco. I prefer mine with a half-teaspoon of Sauce Mignonette:

• 1 shallot, very, very finely chopped
• 1/2 cup of red wine vinegar
• 1-2 tbsp lemon juice
• quite a lot of crushed black pepper

Mix all ingerdients and let infuse for a couple of hours. Serve cold.

Some of the oysters I will eat with Cucumer Relish:

• 1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded and finely diced
• 1/2 tomato, peelde seeded, finely diced
• 2 tbsp finely cut dill
• 1 tbsp cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp dry sherry or madeira
• salt to taste
• crushed black pepper

Mix all ingedients and let stand for a couple of hours. Serve cold.

Meanwhile there is a wonderful Chihuly-exposition on in Kew Gardens.