Main dish, yields 3-4 servings

16 ounces raw oysters, undrained

4 tablespoons butter

1 large onion, finely diced

2 garlic cloves

1/4 teaspoon red pepper

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

6 cups whole milk or half and half

1 teaspoon dried parsley

Heat butter over medium heat in heavy bottom 3-quart saucepan. Add diced onion and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Grate in garlic (or mince), continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes, being watchful to not burn garlic. Add red pepper, paprika, salt, black pepper, stir to toast about 1 minute. Drain oysters and reserve liquid (oyster liqueur). Reduce heat to low, add milk, parsley and oyster liqueur. Cook over low heat until mixture is hot and beginning to steam, and bubbles just start to appear around the edge. Do NOT allow to come to a boil. Salt and pepper to taste. Add oysters and continue to cook over low heat until oysters begin to curl on edges.