During this process I was on 'snail watch', keeping an eye on the live snails which continually tried to escape from their bucket as they awaited their turn in the pot. Needless to say we ate snails that night. Snails are served from a special ceramic dish with a moulded handle and 12 small hollows, somewhat like an egg poacher. They bake in the oven for a few minutes, boiling in the melted butter and herb mix. You eat them with a fork and use fresh baguette to soak up the remaining butter.
Escargots tend to be eaten on special occasions as an entree.
Well actually, in our family they are the pre-entree. They were one of many courses we had that day and as usual, I could barely walk after finishing my meal. I can't say I have taken to escargots. In fact, I don't think many French people know why they eat them either. I did try, and on many occasions I smilingly let them slide down my throat.