Mock Oyster Soup
The oyster plant is used for this delicious dish—by many it is known as salsify. Scrape the vegetable and cut into small pieces with a silver knife (a steel knife would darken the oyster plant). Cook in just enough water to keep from burning, and when tender press through a colander and return to the water in which it was cooked. Add three cups of hot milk which has been thickened with a little butter and flour and rubbed together and seasoned with salt and white pepper. A little chopped parsley may be added before serving. ½ cup cream instead of all milk greatly improves taste.