Scalloped Love Oyster

They say oysters make romantic feelings. I'm not sure about that, but this gratin of oysters, cream and buttery crackers is yummy.

Ingredients
2 oz. cans whole oysters, undrained
30 rectangular butter crackers, crushed
2 Tbs. butter
1/2 tsp. hot pepper sauce or to taste (optional)
1/4 tsp. salt
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, melted
3/4 C. half-and-half cream
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper

Directions

Drain oysters, reserving 1/4 cup oyster juices.

Place cracker crumbs in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle butter, pepper sauce and salt over crumbs, tossing to combine. Whisk together reserved oyster juice, half-and-half, and Worcestershire sauce. Place one-third crumb mixture evenly in the bottom of a 1-quart baking dish; top with half of oysters. Sprinkle with half of the pepper. Pour half of cream mixture evenly over oysters. Repeat layers, ending with crumb mixture. Cover and chill at least 8 hours. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before baking.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly.