This silky concoction makes an elegant starter, or a light supper if paired with the Parisienne Bistro Crudité Plate (p. 102) or the Bayona House Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette (p. 95) and a warm baguette. Oysters and artichokes are another favorite New Orleans combination. For your convenience I’ve called for canned artichoke hearts, but if you’re feeling expansive (and industrious), use fresh artichoke hearts. Your efforts will be rewarded.

Ingredients

　　3 tablespoons olive oil or butter

　　1 medium onion, finely chopped

　　2 celery stalks, finely chopped

　　1 (12-ounce) can artichoke hearts, rinsed and chopped, or an equal amount of fresh hearts

　　1 garlic clove, minced

　　3 tablespoons flour

　　1/2 cup dry white wine

　　2 cups milk

　　1 pint oysters, drained (reserve the liquid) and coarsely chopped

　　1 cup heavy cream

　　4 scallions, minced

　　Salt and pepper

　　Hot sauce

　　Fresh lemon juice, as desired

　　Classic Croutons (p. 88), optional

　　In a 2-quart saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it starts to sizzle. Add the onion, celery, artichoke hearts, and garlic and stir. Sauté for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with the flour and stir. Slowly whisk in the white wine, milk, and the oyster liquid. Bring to a boil, stirring or whisking, then add the cream, reduce heat, and simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir in the oysters, scallions, and a little salt and simmer about 5 more minutes. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Add a squeeze of lemon and garnish with croutons.

　　From Crescent City Cooking by Susan Spicer Copyright (c) 2007 by Susan Spicer Published by Knopf.Susan Spicer was born in Key West, Florida, and lived in Holland until the age of seven, when her family moved to New Orleans. She has lived there ever since, and is the owner of two restaurants, Bayona and Herbsaint. This is her first cookbook.Paula Disbrowe was the former Cowgirl Chef at Hart & Hind Fitness Ranch in Rio Frio, Texas. Prior to that, she spent ten years working as a food and travel writer. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Food & Wine, and Saveur, among other major publications.