Oysters with apples & black pudding

Oysters with apples and black pudding from Irish Oyster Cuisine by Mairin Ui Chomain is one of those culinary combinations that has been hiding in plain sight. The contrasting textures and temperatures add to the appeal of the dish. Four small starters.

• 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 slices black pudding
• 4 cored apple slices
• 1 Tablespoon golden syrup or honey
• 4 to 8 shucked oysters depending on their size

1. Crisp the black pudding over medium heat in half the butter and remove them from the pan.
2. Add the rest of the butter and the syrup or honey to the pan and fry the apple slices until just golden but still firm.
3. Set each slice of apple on a plate, top it with a slice of the black pudding and top the pudding in turn with an oyster or two.
4. Drizzle the honey butter around each tower.

Notes:

-The honey or syrup may be omitted if, like us, you do not have much of a sweet tooth.