Ingredients
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium white onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 celery stalks, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
4 cups milk
2 cups heavy cream
2 teaspoons coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 pint shucked oysters with liquor (juice)
Paprika, for garnish
Hot sauce, for garnish (optional)
Oyster crackers, for garnish
Preparation
Heat butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add onion and celery; cook until softened, about 8 minutes. Do not brown. Add milk, cream, salt, cayenne, white pepper, and liquor. Bring just to a boil; cook, barely simmering, 5 minutes. Add oysters; cook just until edges curl, 3 to 4 minutes. Garnish with paprika; hot sauce, if using; and crackers. Serve.
