Oyster Casserole

Ingredients:

4 1/2 cups crushed saltine crackers

1/2 cup butter

2 containers (12 ounces each) fresh oysters

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon crushed black pepper

1 tablespoon chopped parsley

1 1/4 cups half-and-half cream

paprika

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium skillet, brown the crushed crackers in butter and set aside. Drain the oysters, reserving 1/2 cup liquid. Place half of crumbs in a lightly greased 13" x 9" baking dish. Add oysters, salt, pepper and parsley. Cover with remaining cracker crumbs. Combine half-and-half with reserved oyster liquid. Pour over cracker crumbs and sprinkle with paprika. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.