For the Cornbread:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8-inch square pan.Combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Add the butter and combine the ingredients with your fingers until the mixture resembles a coarse meal. Form a well in the center and add the honey, eggs, and milk. Blend the mixture quickly with a fork. Pour it into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let it cool.

For the Oysters and Serving Instructions:

Turn on the broiler. Cut the cornbread into 6 equal rectangles. Split each one in half, lightly toast it under the broiler, and place it in a soup plate.
Heat a sauté pan over medium-low heat and add the butter. Heat until it becomes foamy. Then add the oysters and cook about 2 minutes turning them after 1 minute, until the edges begin to curl. Remove the oysters with a slotted spoon and place them on the cornbread. Set aside and keep warm.

Add the reserved oyster liquid and chiles to the sauté pan and cook until the sauce begins to thicken. Add the crème fraîche and reduce the sauce until it is thick. Remove from the heat. Stir in the lime juice, chopped cilantro, and Tabasco sauce. Adjust the seasoning to taste and pour the sauce over the oysters. Garnish with whole cilantro leaves and serve immediately.

Drink suggestion & tips:
Drink enough old Burgundy so as to prevent anything interfere with your well-deserved sense of achievement and well being. Plan to let Mom cook next year.


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