I know what you’re thinking… It’s a little bit risky to be shellfish at this time of year. What with Santa making his list of the good boys and girls… It’s important to be careful on the homestretch. But if you want to make extra points for being good to yourself, I suggest eating lots of oysters.

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy oysters. You can eat them raw, roasted, sautéed, or deep fried, in pastas, stews or stuffing’s, the possibilities are endless. But at this is the time of year one very special oyster tradition tops them all, and it’s the eponymous “Rockefeller”.

The rich recipe for “Oysters Rockefeller” was actually named after John D. Rockefeller. This delicacy was born in the mind of Chef Antoine Alciatore, in 1889 when there was a shortage of escargot in New Orleans. With a quick substitute of oysters, his iconic tradition was born. Supposedly the original recipe went with Antoine to the after-life, so today all are a version’s thereof. But at Salty’s… TA DAH!  Enter the Oyster Leckefeller. This delicious variant on the Rockefeller theme comes to us from our very own award-winning master oyster shucker, Chef David Leck. Thus, the Leck-efeller! Full of secret goodness, it’s a must shellfish treat for the holidays. (Hey, maybe I’ll consider subbing a platter of Leckfeller’s for Santa’s cookies this year- for extra points!)

You know me, I’m always trying to get you to eat things that are good for you. But seriously, oysters are tops on my list. There are so many healthy reasons to eat them! Oysters are so nutritious, they have very few calories, carbohydrates or fat, they are a clean, pure, protein play. If you are trying to be extra, extra good about what you eat for holiday appetizers, by all means dash away to the oysters on the half shell.

Oysters are on top of the nice list when it comes to the energy vitamin B12. One serving gives you 133% of your daily requirement. They are also full of essential micronutrients like selenium, zinc, iron and copper. Their protein is excellent for maintaining your muscles and their B12 for your nervous and cardiovascular systems. There is one more healthy zinger oysters have to offer. It’s called DHMBA. If you think that sounds like a unique, advanced degree, it kind of is. It’s a very powerful antioxidant recently found in oysters that scientists are just learning about. Early studies are suggesting that it might play a key role in preventing and treating liver disease and preventing plaque build-up in your arteries. What a gift.

Now for an extra holiday treat, our Chef Jeremy Mc Lachlan is generously bringing you his list of great ideas for preparing oysters, take a peek right here.

When Santa asks if you have been naughty or nice… proudly tell him you’ve been working extra hard at being shellfish. And if you haven’t been perfect all year, no worries, Salty’s is happy to help!