Straightforward, no-nonsense oyster stew with butter, oysters, milk, half-and-half, salt and white pepper...and nothing more.

Beacon Hill Oyster Stew

1/4 cup butter
2 cups oysters
3 cups milk
1 cup half-and-half
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper

1. Melt butter in a skillet. Add oysters and simmer gently, just until the edges curl.
2. In a saucepan, heat milk and half-and-half to scalding. Add the oyster mixture, salt, and white pepper. Be careful not to boil.

Makes 4 servings.