Oyster Dressing - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 cans oysters
1 1/2 sticks margarine
1 1/2 c. chopped onion
1 c. chopped celery
1 c. chopped bell pepper
1 c. cold water
1 tsp. minced garlic
3 bay leaves (optional)
1/4 c. chopped green onion
1 c. fine dry bread crumbs
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. red pepper
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. black pepper

Preparation

Strain oysters and reserve liquid.
Add cold water to oyster liquid.
Melt 8 tablespoons butter in skillet, add onions and saute until onion is dark brown (not burned), stirring frequently. Add celery and bell peppers; cook 5 minutes.
Combine seasonings; add to vegetable mixture and garlic.
Cook 5 minutes. Add remaining butter and bay leaves.
Stir until margarine is melted.
Stir in reserved oyster liquid and water; cook 10 minutes.
Stir in bread crumbs to make moist but not runny dressing.
Remove from heat; add drained oysters.
Spoon into baking dish.
Bake, uncovered, in 350\u00b0 oven for 30 minutes.