Oyster Fricassee

Ingredients (15)

• 1 quart shucked oysters
• 3/4 cup butter, divided
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 1-1/2 cups chopped celery
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups half-and-half cream
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 50 crackers)
• Lemon wedges
• Fresh thyme sprigs