1/2 c. butter
1 c. celery, finely chopped
1 c. shallots, finely chopped
1 tbsp. flour
2 doz. select oysters
Oyster liquid, plus hot chicken broth to make 5 cups
2 Bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
1 c. warm Half & Half
Dash Tabasco
Whipping cream, whipped

Melt butter in sauce pan. Sauté celery and shallots until tender. Blend in flour. Stir, cook 5 minutes more over low heat. Add all other ingredients EXCEPT Half & Half and Tabasco. Simmer 20 minutes. Add warm Half & Half and Tabasco. Pour into mugs. Top with whipped cream.

Serves 8.