Drunken Mussels

Instructions:

1. Rinse mussels under cold running water. If you see hairy clumps around the shell (called beards), use a sharp knife or your fingers to pull them off, then scrub shells well with a vegetable brush.
2. In a cast iron wok, heat olive oil, add sausage and cook until golden brown. Add thyme, garlic, shallots and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté until shallots and garlic are softened, 3 minutes. Pour in ale and bring to a simmer. Add mussels and cover pot with aluminum foil. Let mussels steam, stirring once or twice, until they open, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove mussels with a slotted spoon and place in serving bowls. Discard any that have not opened.
3. Add butter, herbs and mustard to pan juices and bring to a boil. Whisk until butter melts, then taste and correct seasonings (add more butter if liquid tastes bitter). Pour over mussels and serve with your favorite bread.