Crispy Oysters - The Local Palate

Ingredients

• ½ cup country ham, diced
• ½ cup leeks, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Oyster liquor
• 2 tablespoons pernod
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fine cornmeal
• 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
• Sunchoke Relish (make your own or use your favorite brand)
• 16 shucked oysters, save the liquor for reduction and bottom shells for serving
• Enough peanut oil to fry oysters at 365°