Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
     1/2  stick         unsalted butter -- at room temperature
     1/4  cup           dried bread crumbs
     1/4  cup           scallions -- sliced
     1/4  cup           celery -- chopped
   1      tablespoon    fresh tarragon leaves -- chopped
     1/4  teaspoon      salt
                        fresh ground black pepper -- to taste
   1      pinch         cayenne pepper
  12                    fresh oysters -- on the half shell

Preparation:

1. Preheat the broiler. Arrange the broiler rack 3 to 4 inches from the heat. 2. In the container of a food processor, puree the butter, bread crumbs, scallions, celery, tarragon, salt, black pepper, and cayenne until smooth. 3. With a small sharp knife, cut below each oyster to release it from its shell. 4. Arrange each oyster in its shell on a baking sheet. Spread some of the butter on each oyster. 5. Broil just until golden and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve immediately.