Oysters, oysters and oysters !
The Marennes area is one of the principal producers of oysters in France. There are many possibilities for learning more about oyster production and lots of opportunities for tasting this much prized seafood.
An oyster recipe to try at home
Warm oysters in a wine, butter and leak sauce
For 4 people :
- 24 oysters - Marennes-Oléron 'Specials'
- 10 cl of white wine
- 200 g of melted butter
- 50 g of chopped shallots
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 2 leeks, sliced and diced
- 10 cl of fresh double cream
- ground sea salt and black pepper
Open the oysters, discard their water and cut the base leaving the flesh in the clam.
Melt the butter and add the shallots - cook until soft and translucid, add the white wine and the lemon juice.
In a separate pan cook the sliced leek with a knob of butter. When soft and tender add the leeks and the cream to the sauce. Keep warm.
Put the oysters in a pre-heated oven at thermostat 8 for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and gently tip all the water in the clams into the sauce. Serve the oysters in one half of the shell and drizzle over with the sauce.
Wine, Pineau and Cognac
There are some local wines but the region is better known for two specialities - Cognac and Pineau de Charentes. We can provide you with addresses to take part in tastings and learn more about the production of these beverages.
Other products
Goat's cheese, salt and preserves
These, amongst other local prodcuts, are well worth discovering. Again we'll head you in the right direction for tastings.
