Lobster Bisque

Mom and I stopped at Aldi's yesterday while we were in Dubuque and they had lobster tails so I thought as a Valentine's gift to myself, I would make my favorite soup.

I seldom make it because of the cost, but always order it when I go to Red Lobster. So today I'm sharing lobster bisque with you.  

2 each lobster tails
1 quart lobster stock 
1 tablespoons salt
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 pint cream
1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
Juice from 1/2 of a lemon  
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. fresh thyme (1/2 tsp. if dried)

Bring 1 quart of salted water to rapid boil. Add thawed lobster tails and cover, steaming until tender (approximately 5 minutes depending on size of tails, but do not over cook or they will be tough) over very high heat.  Remove lobster meat and reserve shells for lobster stock. Dice par-cooked meat into small pieces.

Melt butter in sauce pan and stir in flour to make a roux. Cook this for 3 to 5 minutes over medium heat. Slowly add the hot lobster stock constantly whisking to avoid lumps. Add the cream and simmer gently over medium heat stirring often for about 15 minutes. Add the diced lobster, paprika, thyme, white wine and lemon juice. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Will make about 1 quart.

Lobster Stock:

2 each lobster shells from above

1 tablespoon butter

1 diced onion

1 carrot

1 stalk celery

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1/2 cup dry white wine

Pepper to taste

1 bay leaf

Add the shells to the water you boiled the lobster in (1 quart) with butter, onions, carrot, celery and tomato paste stirring gently over high heat until mixture becomes slightly golden brown.

Add dry white wine, pepper, and bay leaf. Boil uncovered for 30 minutes to make a stock. Strain and reserve hot stock. 

Since it is just for me, I won't fuss, but if you are doing this for a special Valentine, cut out the center of a nice round artisan bread and make a bread bowl.  Cut it out in the shape of a heart if you like and fill it with the bisque.   

Fix something special today for Valentine's Day and do not forget yourself.  Have a great Valentine's Day.  Be happy and may God bless you and yours.