Caribbean Spoon Lobster Bisque

I love bisques because they have all the flavor from the lobster, shrimp or what ever you decide to make it from and all the veggies as well but is fine and elegant to serve. I highly recommend this choice for any formal reception. Is a sure way to impress your guests.

Step 1

3-pound live lobster, 1 medium onion, celery rib, carrot, vine-ripened tomato, head garlic, olive oil, chopped fresh tarragon leaves, chopped fresh thyme leaves, bay leaf, black peppercorns, brandy, dry Sherry, fish stock* (Made with the lobster heads) tomato paste, heavy cream, water

Fill a 6-quart kettle three fourths full with salted water and bring to a boil. Plunge lobster headfirst into water and cook, covered, over high heat 8 minutes. Transfer lobster with tongs to a large bowl and in a measuring cup reserve 2 cups cooking liquid. Let lobster stand until cool enough to handle. Working over a bowl to catch the juices, twist off tail and claws and reserve juices. Reserve tomalley and discard head sacs and any roe. Remove meat from claws and tail, reserving shells and lobster body. (Lobster meat will not be cooked through.) Coarsely chop meat and transfer to a bowl. Chill lobster meat, covered.

Step 2

Chop onion, celery, carrot, and tomato and halve garlic head crosswise. In a 6-quart heavy kettle heat oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and sauté reserved lobster shells and body, stirring occasionally, 8 minutes. Add vegetables, garlic, herbs, peppercorns, brandy, and Sherry and simmer, stirring, until almost all liquid is evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add stock. Simmer mixture, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 1 hour.

Step 3

Pour mixture through a fine sieve into a large saucepan, pressing on and discarding solids. Whisk in tomato paste and simmer until reduced to about 3 cups, about 10 minutes. Add cream and simmer bisque 5 minutes. Simmer bisque, stirring, 2 minutes. (Bisque will thicken slightly.) Add lobster meat with any reserved juices and simmer bisque 1 minute, or until lobster meat is just cooked through. Season bisque with salt and pepper. Close your eyes... for the first taste...sip slowly and enjoy!!!