Eds Lobster Roll Food

LOBSTER ROLLS

Steps:

• Fill a large steamer or pot with about 2 inches of water. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into the water, then add the lemon halves and 1 tablespoon sea salt to the pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
• Place the lobsters in the steamer basket or directly in the pot; cover and steam until the shells turn bright red, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the pot with tongs and rinse under cold water to cool slightly.
• Remove the meat from the lobster shells: Twist off the claws, then break off the tail. Pull off the flippers. Insert your thumb into the flipper end of the tail and force out the meat. Crack the claws with the flat side of a knife or a lobster cracker; remove the meat. Roughly chop the lobster meat. Transfer to a bowl and chill 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk the mayonnaise, 4 tablespoons melted butter and the juice of the remaining lemon in a large bowl. Add the lobster meat and toss to coat. Season with salt.
• Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Brush the outside of the hot dog buns with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Toast the buns until slightly golden, about 1 minute per side. Divide the lobster salad among the buns. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle with the celery leaves and celery salt.

ED MCFARLAND'S LOBSTER ROLLS

Steps:

• Fill a very large stockpot 3/4 full with cold water. Place over high heat and bring to a rolling boil. Plunge lobsters, one at a time, headfirst into the water. Cook, uncovered, until they float, 12 to 14 minutes.
• Meanwhile, prepare an ice-water bath. Remove lobsters from boiling water and immediately transfer to ice-water bath until chilled.
• Remove rubber bands from claws. Twist claws with their knuckles from the body. Separate knuckles from claws. Crack knuckles open; remove meat and set aside. Grasp "thumb" and bend it back to snap it off. Crack claw in half; remove meat and set aside. Pull of legs. Twist tail from the joint where it meets the body. Pull off tail fins. Bend tail backward to crack off end of shell. Use your fingers to push tail meat out opposite side; remove with fork and set aside. Discard any remaining lobster.
• Roughly chop lobster meat into about 1/4-inch pieces. Place in a large bowl, along with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and celery; season with salt and pepper.
• Place a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Butter hot dog rolls and place on the griddle or in skillet. Toast until golden on each side; transfer each roll to a serving plate. Divide lobster mixture between the 4 rolls; garnish with chives and serve with pickle mix.