Hangtown Fry

Cook bacon in heavy large skillet over medium heat until almost crisp. Using tongs, transfer to paper towels and drain. Pour 2 Tbsp drippings from the skillet into small bowl. Wipe skillet clean. Whisk 1 egg and milk in small bowl to blend. Mix breadcrumbs and saltines in shallow dish. Dip oysters into the egg mixture, then into breadcrumb mixture, turning to coat completely. Place on plate. Heat vegetable oil in same skillet over high heat. Add oysters and saute, about 30 seconds per side. Transfer to plate. Whisk remaining 4 eggs in bowl to blend. Heat 1 Tbsp reserved fat in medium nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Place 2 bacon slices off center in skillet, laying slices parallel and about 1" inch apart. Pour 1/4 of eggs over bacon. Place 3 oysters atop bacon. Pour another 1/4 of the eggs over oysters. Cover and cook until almost set(about 2 minutes). Using spatula, fold omelette in half. Cover and cook until omelette is set(about 2 minutes). Slide off onto plate. Repeat for second omelette.

Serving Ideas : cheddar cheese-rosemary biscuits.

NOTES : Doug Noble, a Gold Country newspaperman and member of a local organization called the Hangtown Fryers, has tried to unsuccessfully for year to get this bacon and oyster omelette named the official dish of California. This version is one of the best-- a speciality of the now defunct Blue Bell Cafe in Placerville. Doug retrieved the recipe from his files.