Old-Fashioned Oyster Stew

Makes 4 to 6 servings

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 12-16 ounces standard-size oysters with liquid
• 1 quart half-and-half
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 (14-ounce) box oyster crackers

Melt butter in a heavy saucepan.  Add oysters and cook over low heat just until
edges curl.  Slowly add half-and-half and heat gently.  Do not boil.  Add salt and
pepper.  Serve steaming hot with oyster crackers.