Coping with bad oysters: If you've eaten a bad oyster at some point in your life, your residual distaste for shellfish doesn't have to last forever. Try one or two when they're available; soon you'll fall under their spell.

2torial #0695: Learn2 Shuck Oysters (Continued) Put 'em on ice Store oysters on ice until ready to serve. Cover them with a wet towel or keep them in a closed container. An ice chest works well. Feed your oysters. If they must wait for more than a few hours, try the trick that restaurants use. Put down two or three oysters between layers of crushed ice and sprinkle cornmeal on top. As the ice melts, the cornmeal dissolves, and nutrient-rich water drips down to the oysters. This keeps them alive and fresh.   Check them periodically and add more ice as necessary. Oysters can keep in this manner for a few days.   Watch for spoilers. Remember: Once they fall open, they've gone bad and must be discarded. Eating spoiled shellfish can produce severe food poisoningStep 3