Just a funny thing.

hooligans4 · August 2014

My son loves mussels ( the clam like things) so I decided to buy some for him. For those who don't know, I'm a vegetarian (for the last 25 years) and I hardly ever cook fish. So I looked in my joy of cooking cookbook and it said to steam them for 10 minutes. Sounded easy enough. So I steam them and give him the plate. He was so excited until he tried to eat the first one. He spit it right out and said it was gross and full of sand. So I said I guess I didn't make them right. He answers me by asking if I followed the directions on the box. Really kid, you think mussels come in a box. I guess we are both clueless.
I will stick to just letting him eat them when we go out to eat.
Just made me chuckle.

lgsdesigner · August 2014

Awwww...hahaha! You poor mama! Hey-- at least you tried! It's the effort that matters the most, and now you have made a funny memory you both will never forget.

kindershlitz · August 2014

You are brave! I don't think I could ever make them at home!

Haha- my brother once told my mom way back when after spending the night at a friends, "mom, did you know you can MAKE waffles?" Shocked they didn't just come from a box

travelnut11 · August 2014

You should try again as you might've just had a not great batch. And maybe give them a rinse if you didn't to wash off extra sand?

They're actually pretty easy to make but did you steam them in plain water? That would definitely be a yuck to me too. Find a good broth that works like white wine, shallots, butter, lemon, etc. How did he have them when he liked them before? Marinara sauce can be good too.

I love to make a big pot of mussels when my husband is out of town because he doesn't like even the smell of them. One of my favorite easy and delicious meals (with bread to sop up the yummy broth).

hooligans4 · August 2014

@travelnut11 I rinsed them under cold water and pulled off the stringy bits. I just salted the water like I do when I steam a lobster. But adding all that yummy stuff to the water sounds good. I will definitely give it another go. Just have to wait a bit because I don't think my son would even try it if I put another plate in front of him any time soon.

Austrogermokee · August 2014

I love mussels, but they are tricky. I used to cook them a lot when I was living near a fish market.

You need to rinse them twice, scrub gently with a brush to remove excess grit, and toss any that are cracked or open. Then gently pull the beards by waggling them back and forth (I think of it as giving them Brazilians). My usual broth is white wine, water and a bit of tomato paste and fresh basil. You can also use beer.

I steam for about five minutes, then pull out any that have fully opened in batches (if they're open, they're cooked). Overcooking can turn them into rubber. Discard any that don't open within ten minutes of steaming.

CML11 · August 2014

Lol funny story! Hope attempt # 2 turns out better

lcwed · August 2014

Kids are so funny with their honesty. DD is hit and miss with fish too. Salmon has always been successful, but tilapia is hit and miss with her. I don't know if it is the texture, how it is prepared, or if that is a fish she just doesn't like.

@kinderschlitz I thought mashed potatoes came from a box until I was 7. Didn't know they could be made with real potatoes.

URMySunshine77 · August 2014

Austrogermokee said:

You need to rinse them twice, scrub gently with a brush to remove excess grit, and toss any that are cracked or open. Then gently pull the beards by waggling them back and forth (I think of it as giving them Brazilians). My usual broth is white wine, water and a bit of tomato paste and fresh basil. You can also use beer.

@Austrogermokee: You always crack me up.

hooligans4: I think you're so sweet for making mussels for your son. I don't think I would be brave enough.