Hangtown Fry

California lore has it that a 49er came into a Hangtown establishment with a poke of nuggets and asked for the finest, and most expensive, meal possible. Since eggs and oysters were the most prohibitive items on the menu, the Hangtown Fry was created. The still popular dish was originally made with the small Pacific Coast Olympia oysters, now so rare that you have to strike it rich to afford them today, too.

16 large oysters, shucked
Flour
Butter
8 eggs
1/4 cup whipping cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Roll oysters in flour and fry in a skillet in butter over medium heat until just delicately browned. In a bowl mix eggs, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Pour over oysters and cook until eggs are set. (You can do this like an omelet or as slightly scrambled eggs.)

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