For pure-if-decadent simplicity, nothing beats a platter of oysters preening on their half shells. Have plenty of lemon wedges, shakers of Louisiana hot sauce and bottles of iced sparkling wine ...

Oysters easily can be served at home once you learn how to properly shuck and prepare them.

This can be tricky because oysters are incredibly strong and their shells very difficult to open unless you know exactly where to cut with an oyster knife.

Long gone are the days when we thought you could only eat oysters in months that end in -er. Thanks to progress in cultivation methods, we can now enjoy them all year long.