2078. OYSTER, BACON and SWISS CHARD GRATIN

makes eight servings


3 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons butter
2 bunches Swiss chard, chopped
2 cups heavy cream
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
18 oysters, chopped
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
salt and pepper
2/3 cup bread crumbs

Preheat the oven to 400°. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Add the onion, garlic and butter and cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Add the Swiss chard and cook until wilted, 3 minutes. Transfer to a colander and squeeze out any excess liquid. Reserve the skillet. Add the cream and nutmeg to the skillet and boil until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Let cool. Stir the chard mixture into the cream. Add the oysters and 1/2 cup parmesan; season with salt and pepper. Spoon the mixture into a greased 3-quart baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup parmesan and the bread crumbs; sprinkle over the gratin. Bake until golden and bubbling around the edges, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve warm.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Allison Vines and Slade Rushing, Everyday with Rachael Ray, February 2008