Oyster Patties

With their delicate flavors and elegant presentation, oyster patties are a sophisticated dish that is surprisingly easy to make at home. These delectable savory pastries are perfect for a special brunch, a light lunch, or a luxurious appetizer at your next gathering. Follow along to create your own batch of delicious oyster patties that will impress your guests and elevate your culinary skills.

**Oyster Patties**

**Ingredients:**
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1 pint fresh oysters, drained and chopped
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup dry white wine
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges for serving

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

2. **Prepare the Puff Pastry:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry into a thin sheet. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the pastry large enough to fit into the cups of a muffin tin. Place the pastry circles into the greased muffin tin cups, gently pressing them in to form little pastry shells. Transfer the muffin tin to the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.

3. **Cook the Oysters:** In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped oysters and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the edges begin to curl. Remove the oysters from the skillet and set them aside.

4. **Make the Creamy Sauce:** To the same skillet, whisk in the flour to make a roux. Cook for about a minute until golden brown. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and white wine, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. **Combine the Filling:** Add the cooked oysters back into the creamy sauce, stirring gently to coat them evenly. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove it from the heat.

6. **Fill the Pastry Shells:** Take the chilled muffin tin with the pastry shells from the refrigerator. Spoon the creamy oyster mixture into each pastry shell, filling them almost to the top.

7. **Bake and Serve:** Place the filled oyster patties in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Remove the patties from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.

Enjoy these elegant oyster patties warm as a delightful appetizer or pair them with a fresh green salad for a light and luxurious meal. The combination of tender oysters in a creamy sauce nestled in flaky puff pastry is sure to impress your guests and leave them coming back for more. Experiment with different seasonings or add a touch of your favorite herbs to customize these delectable treats to your taste. Elevate your culinary repertoire with these irresistible oyster patties that are perfect for any special occasion.