How to prepare mussels

• 1.) Soak mussels in a container of cold water for several hours.
• 2.) Use mussels only if they are perfectly fresh. Check each one by tapping it against the side of the sink.
• 3.) The shell of a fresh mussels should be closed or should close when tapped to indicate it is still alive. Discard any that do not close.
• 4.) Wash under cold running water while scraping with a small paring knife to remove barnacles.
• 5.) Remove the byssus threads by pulling with your fingers or use your thumb and the paring knife.