Medallions Of Maine Lobster With Leeks And Sauternes Food

JOëL ROBUCHON'S LOBSTER IN SAUTERNES

Steps:

• In a stockpot just large enough to hold the lobsters, add 3 inches of water and 1 tablespoon of salt. When the water boils, add the lobster bodies, return water to a boil and poach for 3 minutes. Remove lobsters and twist off the legs and discard. Remove the large claws and knuckles and return them to the pot. Boil for 2 minutes, remove, rinse under cold water and when cool enough to handle crack the claws and knuckles and remove the meat. Set aside.
• In a cocotte or a casserole with a lid just large enough to hold the lobsters snugly, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Cut the carrots into thin rounds and sauté them. Melt 2 more tablespoons of butter in the pan with the carrots. Add the onions and a pinch of salt and sauté until the onions are soft but not brown. Add the Sauternes, orange juice, the remaining butter, the ginger, the saffron, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper. Bring to a boil.
• Add the lobster bodies, return the liquid to a boil, cover and boil for 4 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 3 minutes.
• Remove the lobsters and split them in half lengthwise using a heavy chef's knife. Remove the meat and discard the shells.
• Add the claw meat to the liquid and warm it over a low flame. Arrange the tail meat on plates, and distribute the claw meat equally. If necessary, reduce the liquid, season with sea salt and pepper and stir in parsley. Divide the reduction evenly among the lobsters.

BEER BATTERED LOBSTER MEDALLIONS

Steps:

• Prepare Beer Batter--"the longer it sits, the better it gits".
• Mix dry ingredients, set aside.
• Mix liquids (incl. egg) add to dry and mix just until no longer lumpy.
• While the batter sits covered on the kitchen counter (no refrig. necessary) shell the tails by cutting from the thick end over the hump of the top of the shell with a heavy duty kitchen scissors.
• This is easiest if tails are partially frozen.
• Slice tails into 1/2 inch thick medallions, drain on paper towels.
• When 2 inches of frying oil is good and hot for deep frying, drop battered medallions, a single layer deep into hot oil, cooking in batches so as to prevent sticking together.
• Drain on a paper grocery bag covered with paper towel.
• Small batches can be kept warm in a medium high oven
• Serve hot with drawn butter with rice or potato dish and a nice herb salad.
• A semi sweet white wine goes nicely.
• Any leftover batter can be used to fry up some cut veggies such as cauliflower, okra, onions, mushrooms or dill pickle slices, but MUST be used immediately or be tossed out.
• If you do the veggies, wash 'em and coat 'em in a little flour or cornstarch to help the batter stick, if you like. (not imperative, but it'll help)