Oyster Loaf | La Mediatrice | The “Peacemaker”

"This is called the “famous peacemaker” in New Orleans. Every husband, who is detained downtown, laughingly carries home an oyster load, or Mediatrice, to make “peace” with his anxiously waiting wife. Right justly is the Oyster Loaf called the “Peacemaker”, for, well made, it is enough to bring the smiles to the face of the most disheartened wife. Take delicate French loaves of bread and cut off, lengthwise, the upper portion. Dig the crumbs out of the center of each piece, leaving the sides and bottom like square box. Brush each corner of the box and the bottom with melted butter, and place in a quick oven (425F) to brown. Fill with broiled or creamed oysters. Cover with each other and serve." — The Picayne’s Creole Cook Book (New Orleans, 1901)

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Take a French baguette and cut off, lengthwise, the upper portion. Dig the crumbs out of the center of each piece, leaving the sides and bottom like a box. Brush each corner of the box and the bottom with melted butter, and place under the broil to brown.

Step 2

Strain oysters, reserve the oyster liquor.

Step 3

Bring reserved oyster liquor to simmer in a heavy saucepan and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes on medium heat, stirring. The goal is to cook it down and let it thicken.

Step 4

Add oysters, Worcestershire sauce, and hot chili sauce and cook for about 2 minutes. Oysters will release more juice. Do not overcook them! Strain them again and return the concentrated oyster stock into the saucepan.

Step 5

Add cream and cook the sauce down to thicken for another 2-3 minutes, simmering and stirring. Taste and adjust seasoning. Turn the heat off and combine with oysters. Fill the toasted baguette halves and serve warm.

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