Feast OF THE SEVEN FISHES

During the holidays, many Italian American families celebrate the Feast of the Seven Fishes, known as La Vigilia in Southern Italy. This traditional seafood feast, which is held before midnight on Christmas Eve, consists of at least seven different types of seafood or seven courses. With the variety of great seafood available to us in the Bayou State, the tradition lends itself well to our festivities. Our decadent menu features shrimp, fish, oysters, crawfish, crab, alligator, and squid, plus a hearty salad to round out the meal.

OYSTER PASTA WITH LEMON HERB SAUCE

MAKES 8 SERVINGS

½ cup minced fresh parsley6 tablespoons olive oil, divided2 tablespoons minced garlic1 cup French bread crumbs½ cup plus 5 tablespoons unsalted butter,½ cup chopped pecans¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese32 fresh select oysters, shucked and drained⅓ cup all-purpose flour1 tablespoon Creole seasoning¼ cup minced shallot½ cup white wine2 cups heavy whipping cream16 ounces pappardelle pasta, cooked according to package directions