Kitty Koenig's Scalloped Oysters

This is a family recipe I received from my husband's cousin.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 pints  oysters
• 1⁄2 cup butter or 1⁄2 cup margarine
• 1⁄4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
• 2  tablespoons  chopped onions
• 4  cups  soft breadcrumbs
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
•  oyster liquor
•  light cream or  half-and-half
• 2  tablespoons lemon juice
•  paprika

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Pick over and clean oysters, removing bits of shell. Strain oyster liquor and set aside.
3. Melt butter in skillet; stir in Tabasco. Add onion and cook until tender but not brown. Add bread crumbs and salt. Toss lightly.
4. Cover bottom of shallow buttered baking dish with bread crumbs, then with a layer of oysters. Repeat a layer of bread crumbs and oysters and end with a top layer of crumbs.
5. Combine oyster liquor with enough cream to make 3/4 cup. Pour over mixture in casserole. Sprinkle with lemon juice and paprika.
6. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until top is lightly browned.