Honey Beer Steamed Mussels

Ingredients

• 2.5 pounds mussels
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 sweet onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bottle of your favorite beer
• 3 tablespoons Taylor Pass honey
• 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• Herb butter baguettes
• 1 large ciabatta baguette
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup freshly chopped herbs
• 1/2 teaspoon flaked sea salt

Instructions

1. Keep the mussels refrigerated until you’re ready to use them.
   
   
2. Once ready, place them in a large bowl of ice-cold water. Scrub the outsides of the mussels and remove the string (or “beard”) by using a towel or paper towel to pull it out.
   
   
3. Discard any mussels that have opened already. Keep the mussels in the ice water.
   
   
4. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat and add the butter and olive oil. Once it’s melted, stir in the onions, garlic, salt, and pepper.
   
   
5. Stir and cook for 5 minutes, until slightly softened.
   
   
6. Add in the beer and honey, stirring to combine. Add the mussels and toss. - Cover the skillet and cook just until the mussels open and the beer is simmering, about 5 to 6 minutes.
   
   
7. Garnish with the bacon and cilantro.
   
   
8. Stir the mussels well so the broth makes it into the shells. Serve immediately with the baguettes.