Protein Packed Mussels That Kids Can Enjoy

Shellfish are often great appetizers that are served in dinner parties. Crustaceans like shrimps, prawns, crabs, and lobsters may also be served as a main course. Clams, oysters, scallops and mussels on the other hand are mainly used as appetizers or added ingredients in soups, sauces and dishes. A popular shellfish appetizer that we love to prepare at home is the baked mussels.

Baked Mussels are practical and nutrition packed appetizers that the kids have grown to love. The chewy and flavorful mussel meat becomes tastier with a mix of garlic butter and some cheese toppings. This dish is not just tasty but it is packed with nutrition too. Mussels are rich in protein, Omega 3 fatty acids, selenium, and Vitamin B12. Other beneficial nutrients that may be found in this shellfish include zinc, folate, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.

Aside from enjoying the taste and nutritional benefits of this dish, the kids also enjoyed eating the meat and cheese off from the shells of the mussels. It is always fun to watch them show off their expertise on eating off the shells and count the discarded casings afterwards.

Preparing Baked Mussels for the kids is quite simple. All you need is a sliver of ginger, mussels, garlic butter, and cheese then follow these steps:

1. Clean the mussels thoroughly in running water. Scrape away any debris that may be stuck in the outer shell including the beard, or the hair like features that are usually found in the mouth of the shell or stuck on the meat.
2. Sort the live and dead mussels as you clean them. Discard open mussels immediately. An open shell is a clear indication that the mussel is dead already.
3. Boil water with a sliver of ginger. 
4. Immerse mussels in boiling water and quickly remove it from fire as soon as the shells open. Do not leave the mussels in boiling water longer than necessary as it may result to overcooking.
5. Completely open the shells and remove the other half that doesn’t contain any meat.
6. Spread some garlic butter on top of the mussel meat. If garlic butter is not available, you can use regular butter and add some minced garlic sparingly.
7. Top mussels with grated cheese. Use quick melt cheese for best results.
8. Put mussels in the oven or oven toaster and set in the lowest setting. Mussels should be taken out as soon as the cheese melts and forms a snug cover over the meat.

To get the best out of your mussels, make sure that they are bought and cooked alive. Dead mussels have an unpleasant taste and smell that can ruin your appetite. Fresh mussels are characterized by their bright and shiny color, undamaged exterior, and tightly shut shells. Also, avoid buying mussels from red tide infested waters as these may contain toxins that may lead to food poisoning.