Southern Oyster Casserole

INGREDIENTS

• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 green or red bell pepper, seeded, deribbed, and chopped
• 1/4 cup grated imported Parmesan cheese
• 2 quarts oysters
• 1/4 pound (1 stick) butter
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup flour
• 3 whole scallions, chopped
• Freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced
• Salt
• 1 cup heavy cream