Homard A L'Americaine

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Split the lobsters in two lengthwise. Remove stomach sacks (in the head) and intestinal tubes. Reserve coral and green matter. Remove claws and joints and crack them. Separate tails from chests.

Step 2

Heat the oil in the skillet until it is very hot but not smoking. Add the lobster pieces, meat-side down, and saute for several minutes, turning them, until the shells are bright red. Remove lobster to a side dish.

Step 3

Stir in the diced carrot and onion, and cook slowly for 5 minutes or until almost tender.

Step 4

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Step 5

Season the lobster, return it to the skillet, and add the shallots, and the garlic. With the skillet over moderate heat, pour in the cognac. Avert your face and ignite the cognac with a lighted match and shake the skillet slowly until the flames have subsided. Stir in all the ingredients to the left. Bring to the simmer on top of the stove. Cover and place in middle level of preheated oven. Regulate heat so lobster simmers quietly for 20 minutes.

Step 6

While the lobster is simmering, force the lobster coral and green matter with the butter through a fine sieve into the mixing bowl and set aside.

Step 7

When the lobster is done, remove it to a side dish. Take the meat out of the shells if you wish. Set skillet with its cooking liquids over high heat and boil down rapidly until sauce has reduced and thickened slightly. It will acquire more body later when the butter and coral mixture is added. Taste very carefully for seasoning.

Step 8

Return the lobster to the sauce and bring to the simmer to reheat the lobster. Beat a cupful of hot sauce by driblets into the coral and butter mixture, then pour the mixture into the skillet with the lobster. Shake and swirl the skillet over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes to poach the coral and green matter, but do not bring the sauce near the simmer again.

Step 9

Arrange the lobster and sauce in the rice ring, decorate with herbs, and serve immediately.