Mussels with Saffron Mayonnaise

4 people

APPETIZER

Ina Garten Foolproof (p. 71)

Ingredients

Saffron threads - 12 tsp

Mayonnaise - 23 cup

Lemons - 1

Dijon mustard - 1 tsp

Mussels - 1 12 lbs

White wine - 13 cup

Prep

Lemon - zest to yield 1 tsp, juice to yield 1 tbl

Mussels - Pull off the "beards", soak in water with 1 tbl of flour for 20 minutes, rinse well

Instructions

For the saffron mayonnaise, soak the saffron in 1 tbl hot water in a small bowl for 5 minutes. Whisk in the mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, mustard, 12 tsp salt and 14 tsp pepper and refigerate until ready to use.

For the mussels, combine 34 tsp sea salt and 12 tsp pepper and set aside. Heat a large dry, cast-iron skillet over high heat for 4 to 5 minutes, until very hot. Add the mussels in a single layer and cook them for 1 minute, until they start to open. Add the wine and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, until the mussels are fully opened and just cooked. Discard any that do not open. Off the heat, sprinkle the mussels generously with the salt and pepper mixture. Serve hot from the skillet with individual bowls of saffron mayonnaise for dipping.