Ingredients
4 lbs (1.8kg) fresh PEI Mussels
1 Tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
1/2 cup (125 mL) smoked bacon, finely chopped
2 small shallots, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 cup (125 mL) beer
sea salt and pepper to taste
1 Tbsp (15 mL) chopped basil to garnish

Method

1. Rinse fresh PEI Mussels under running fresh water. Tap any mussels that are still open and discard any that do not close after being tapped and rinsed. Set aside.
2. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pan with a fitted lid. Add bacon and sauté until bacon is crispy. Add shallots and garlic. Cook for a few minutes more, until shallots are translucent. Add beer, stir well, then add the mussels.
3. Cover, turn on high heat and cook until steam comes out from under the lid about 5-7minutes, until mussels open.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Top with chopped basil and serve.