Oyster Stew - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 pt. shucked Maryland oysters with liquor (the liquid they are packed in)
1 qt. milk or half and half
1/4 c. (1/2 stick) margarine or butter
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp. chopped parsley (optional)
paprika or seafood seasoning (optional)

Preparation

In a heavy 2-quart saucepan, cook the oysters in their liquor, on medium heat, until edges just begin to curl.
Add butter or margarine, milk or half and half, salt and pepper to taste.
Heat slowly.
Do not boil.
Spoon several oysters into each bowl and top with milk mixture.
Sprinkle a little paprika or seafood seasoning on each serving, if desired.
Serve with oyster crackers.