Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Thoroughly beat softened butter, garlic, parsley and pepper with wooden spoon or mash together with fork.
3. Remove and discard top shell of each mussel and place mussels on a baking sheet. To remove top shell: using an oyster or clam knife, hold the mussel with a towel to protect your hand. Slide the knife between the shells and gently work the knife around the shell until it opens. Do this over a bowl to catch the liquid from the mussels.
4. Drizzle liquid from mussels over the mussels. Apply garlic butter mixture to mussels and bake for 7 minutes. Serve garnished with a wedge of lemon and sprig of parsley. Fresh bread for dipping.