As far back as I can remember, when the calendar turned to February, I knew there would soon be a pot of steaming oyster stew on the kitchen stove.
This ritual was one we all looked forward to over the years. I grew up only eating oysters in months with an ‘R’ in them.
We could see the ocean from the dining room window but this was not a meal we had often. 
 The recipe I’ll share with you is from my Petrie grandmother from Charleston. It is simple as can be and truly the best I have ever had.  There are many pieces of silver and porcelain made to feature the oyster as the luxurious status symbol it was in the 19th century. Just as today, it was a special time when oysters were on the menu.
Oyster Stew
Serves 4
     20 /25 raw oysters out of the shell
     1/2 stick of salted butter
     1 tsp  sea salt
     2 tsp plain flour
     1 tsp black pepper
     3 cups of heavy cream
Using a stock pot, melt 1/2 stick of salted butter, sauté the oysters on medium high heat until they are just barely cooked through and slightly opaque.  
Add a pinch of salt and pepper. 
Remover oysters but keep warm.
Reduce heat to low and add the flour to the oyster flavored butter in the stock pot.  Whisk to combine.
Add heavy cream and, while whisking, bring the mixture to a slow boil.  Turn heat off, pour in 1 cup of water, whisk to combine allowing the residual heat to help blend the mixture. Whisk until silky smooth, adding a little heat as needed. Add salt and pepper. Return the oysters to this mixture, steam about a minute before ladling in to bowls or crocks.
Serve with buttered sour dough bread you have heated in foil in your oven.
Garnish with sliced lemons. Believe me, there will not be one drop of this left!
Using any heirloom or collected bowls to serve this adds another level of interest to an already enticing meal. Larger size sterling soup spoons known as gumbo spoons are perfect for this. 
If you are a collector, you can find oyster plates, oyster forks, fried oyster servers, any number of items from the 19th century made just for this delightful treat.  
This is the perfect time to try this wonderful meal. With the cold weather upon us this weekend, take the chance to make your own memories for those you love.  
You may be starting your own tradition.