Grandpa’s Oyster Stew

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 2 shallots, minced
• 1/2 cup dry sherry or dry white wine
• 24 freshly shucked oysters, oyster liquor reserved
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• sea salt to taste
• 1 pinch sweet paprika
• 1 cup oyster crackers