Creamy Lobster Bisque

This actually isn't difficult at all to make, so it basically comes down to cost.  For a special occasion, you can't beat it.  Besides, that's the great thing about cooking; restaurant quality meals at a fraction of the cost!

Yield:  Serves 2-8, depending on the amount of lobster desired per serving

Ingredients:
2 raw lobster tails
2 tbsp shallots, minced
2 tbsp green onions, chopped
6 garlic cloves, chopped
1/4 cup white wine
2 tsp worcestershire sauce
2 tsp tabasco sauce
1 tsp fresh basil, shredded
1 tsp fresh thyme, stems removed
6 tbsp dry sherry
1 tsp paprika
2 cups lobster or fish stock, or if not available, water
4 ounces tomato paste
2 bay leaves
2 cups heavy cream
4 tbsp butter

Garnish: Parsley, coarsley chopped, about 1 tbsp

Directions:
Remove lobster shells from tails and reserve.  Heat olive oil over heat and saute shallots, onions, and garlic for about 2 minutes, or until softened.  Deglaze the pan with the white wine.

Add the lobster shells, worcestershire, tabasco, basil and thyme and saute for another minute.  Deglaze the pan again, with the sherry.  Add the paprika and lobster stock or water.  Stir in tomato paste and add bay leaves.  Simmer for 10 minutes.

While the soup is cooking, prepare lobster tails by removing veins, if necessary, and drizzling with butter.  Cook in in a saute pan until pink, being careful not to overcook.  Once lobster tails are cooked, remove from heat and cool slightly.  If serving a larger group, chop into chunks and reserve for topping soup.  If serving full tails, reserve as is.

Next, remove shells from pot and discard.  Reduce heat and, using an immersion blender or food processor, blend soup until creamy and fully pureed.  Pour pureed soup back into pot, add heavy cream and butter, and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

To serve, pour into soup bowls and place the lobster tails or chunks on top.  Sprinkle with parsley, and add freshly ground pepper, if desired.  Serve with french or garlic bread.  Enjoy!

Tips: To add extra smoky flavor, grill the lobster (about 4 minutes per side for a properly thawed lobster).  For an exceptionally decadent meal, serve surf & turf!  This was for a birthday celebration, but it never hurts to go all out from time to time!  Slightly more than ordering a pizza, if you know how to shop for deals, and much more delicious.