Creamy Mussels with Smoky Bacon and Hard Cider

Pour one tablespoon of the olive oil into a large pot set over medium-high heat.

Add the chopped bacon, and cook until the pieces are crispy, three to four minutes.

Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and transfer to some paper towels. Try to leave as much of the fat behind in the pot as possible.

Add the garlic to the oil, and cook for a few seconds, and then add the mussels, cider, and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Use a wooden spoon to stir everything around, and then cover the pot and turn the heat to high. Steam the mussels until almost all of the mussels have opened, shaking the pot from time to time, three to four minutes. Using the slotted spoon, transfer the mussels to a very large bowl, leaving the liquid behind. Discard any of the mussels that haven't opened.

Reduce the heat to medium-high, and stir in the crème fraîche. Cook at a boil for two minutes, and then add almost all of the bacon and herbs, leaving a little of each for a garnish. Stir well, and then season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper.

Divide the mussels between four large bowls, ladle on some of the sauce, and garnish with the remaining bacon and herbs.

Serve the mussels with good crusty bread.