Auntie Anitas Lobster Stew Food

AUNTIE ANITA'S LOBSTER STEW

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the lobsters; boil until the lobsters turn bright red and the claws are easily pulled off, 12 to 14 minutes. Once done, remove with a pair of tongs, and allow to cool until cool enough to handle.
• Split the lobsters in half lengthwise. Remove and reserve the green tomalley (liver), the red coral (eggs), and the thick white substance from inside the claws. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the reserved tomalley and coral. Cook and stir for 8 minutes, breaking up the tomalley.
• Remove the meat from the claws and tail. Remove the black vein from the tail, cut the meat into bite sized pieces, and add to the tomalley. Reduce the heat to low; cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour the milk into the saucepan a trickle at a time, stirring constantly, until the stew is thick, hot, and has blossomed into a rich salmon color.
• Place the stew in the refrigerator, and let stand 5 to 6 hours. This is one off the secrets of truly fine flavor. It's called aging. Once the stew has aged, return to the stove over medium-low heat, and cook until hot. You do not need salt or pepper when the stew is prepared in this manner.

MAINE LOBSTER STEW

Steps:

• Boil the lobsters for about 18 minutes.
• Place cooked lobsters on several platters to cool and catch the juices.
• After they are cool; pick the meat from them.
• Remove the tomalley (green liver) and the roe (coral) if it is found.
• After all the meat is picked out, saute the tomalley and roe in 2 tablespoons butter in a heavy cooking pot for three minutes.
• Add more butter and some of the lobster meat into the pot.
• Repeat this until all the lobster meat has been sauted for five to ten minutes.
• Add the cream, the reserved lobster juice from the platters, and the milk.
• Simmer BUT DO NOT BOIL uncovered on low heat for an hour or two (remember take care not to boil).
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Make this a day ahead to enhance the flavor and you'll be glad you did.
• NOTE: A rule of thumb for figuring amounts--4-5 ounces of meat per person; 1/2 stick butter per person; 1 cup half and half per person.