A huge bowl of mussels soaking in rich, flavorful sauce with a side of herbaceous frites is my go-to dish at any French restaurant (despite Anthony Bourdain's mussel-ordering advice). But mussel ...

They’re quick to cook, full of flavor, and instantly elevate any meal—from beachy appetizers to elegant main courses. But before mussels hit the pan, there's one part that often feels more daunting ...