One of the best parts about the Emerald Coast, particularly in the fall, is our abundance of superbly delicious, locally caught seafood!

It is so fresh, you can get it right from the boat that it was caught on, pulled from the pristine Gulf waters surrounding Destin, Florida.

A local delicacy along these shores, Oysters have a long history as a favored food dating back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. Feeding mainly on single-cell plants that flourish in our rich estuaries, where nutrient-rich freshwater rivers meet coastal saltwater, Florida’s Eastern oysters grow rapidly and can reach market size in less than two years.

Along Florida’s Gulf Coast, oysters are harvested commercially from small boats by fishermen using large long-handled tongs to scoop them from the sandy-bottom beds. The extra lean meat has a tender to firm texture, with a slight salty flavor that captures the wonderful essence of the Gulf. Hard clams are a great substitution if oysters cannot be found.

Cooking Tips

Wash live oysters thoroughly under cold running water prior to cooking. Oysters become plump and opaque and the edges begin to curl when thoroughly cooked. Serve roasted and grilled oysters in shells with melted butter or a sauce.

Enjoy this much adored recipe with your loved ones, which can be prepared easily in your suite’s fully equipped kitchen and savored on your private patio while you watch the setting sun paint the sky with vibrant colors. Serve with an ice cold lager or chilled white wine.

SPICY JALAPENO CHEESE AND BACON OYSTERS

• 36 Florida oysters, shucked, on the half shell
• Rock salt
• 12 ounces low-fat mozzarella cheese, grated
• ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 4 Florida jalapeno peppers, chopped

Arrange oysters on rock salt in a baking dish. Top each oyster with ½ teaspoon of the cheese crumbled bacon and chopped jalapeno to taste. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes or until edges of oysters begin to curl.

For more tips, recipes and ideas for your visit to Destin, Florida, be sure to make your next reservation at the lovely Sea Oats Motel, an original beachfront favorite for families visiting the beautiful beaches of the Emerald Coast.

Ideal for the more laidback traveler, the Sea Oats Motel is perfectly situated on Old Highway 98, away from the crowds, yet only a moment away from all the outstanding shopping, dining, and attractions that make our home so amazing.

Each of our suites are designed to be your home away from home while visiting our beautiful beaches. Fine furnishings, spacious living areas, sumptuous beds dressed in fresh linens, and large, modern bathrooms will ease your mind and your body.

Not only is the Sea Oats Motel conveniently located just steps from the beach or all the great dining, shopping and entertainment the city offers, but our amenities and service are so outstanding that you may never want to leave.

Your family will love lounging around our beautiful, heated pools, surrounded by lush tropical foliage and fragrant blooms, all overlooking endless stretches of private beaches. Our beach services are sure to delight everyone as we arrange time for your family to enjoy our jet skis, paddle boards and parasailing or simply set up some beach chairs with umbrellas and a good book recommendation.

At the Sea Oats Motel in sunny Destin Florida, there’s always something fun to do.

So come see what fall has in store for your family on the pristine beaches of the Emerald Coast, call today to learn more or to book your stay! .. 833-803-3320

photo credit: luckypines via photopin cc