Maundy Thursday: BAKED TAHONG (Baked Mussels)

My sisters-in-law are both here for the holy week holiday and they came for a visit a while ago; and these humble delights were what I served them: BAKED TAHONG (Baked Mussels).

Making these is super easy. In my experience, the only hard part was mincing the garlic. I still don't have that fancy "garlic mincer/ garlic press" that I usually see Jamie Oliver use in his show "30 minute meals", that is why my hand felt burned after peeling and mincing all those cloves. Anyway, when you get over that, everything is just a breeze.

Ingredients you'll need: (good for 4-5 servings)

- 1 kg tahong/mussels

- 1/4 cup minced garlic

- 1/2 stick of butter/margarine

- 1 cup grated quick melt cheese (e.g. Kraft Eden MeltSarap; Quikmelt)

Directions:

1) Place the mussels in a pan or stockpot and cook over medium heat, lid closed. Do not put any water. Remove from heat once shells opened up and let it cool.

2) Meanwhile, melt the half stick of butter in a hot pan and add in 1/4 cup of minced garlic. Just let the garlic infuse the butter, about a couple of minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

3) When the mussels are cool enough to handle, open it totally and remove top shell. Arrange them in a baking tray/dish. 

tip: If the mussels are wobbly, put some rock salt or uncooked beans in the baking tray before assembling the mussels.

4) Spoon a little bit of the garlic-butter mixture to each mussel meats.

5) Top it with a generous amount of grated cheese.

tip: If you want your mussels with a little extra crunch, you can top them an additional layer of bread crumbs; or even sprinkle some cayenne or chili pepper for extra heat.

6) Bake them in the oven at low heat (250 F) for 10-15 minutes or just until grated cheese beautifully melts.

These were wonderful, BUT I am not so sure if they are "red tide" free! So, if you don't hear from me for a long time, I am probably in hospital recuperating from food poisoning. Haha, just kidding! =)

These easy goodies is the perfect appetizer to any get-together. Try serving them on your next party or potluck.

Happy Eating! =)