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Cook the Book: Cold Lobster with Homemade Mayonnaise

Posted by Caroline Russock, July 23, 2009 at 1:00 PM

Photo from davehoban147 on Flickr

Roasting a perfect chicken, making a vinaigrette, simmering a flavorful stock—these are basics that most good home cooks have down pat. You don't need an Escoffier-level knowledge of sauces, or the ability to tourné a carrot, but simple skills and methods allow the best cooks to create noteworthy homemade meals.

If you have never steamed your own lobsters or whipped up a batch of homemade mayonnaise, I strongly recommend you give it a shot. These are two simple skills that go a long way in the flavor department, as well as the impressive dinner party area. This recipe for Cold Lobster with Homemade Mayonnaise, from Canal House Cooking, Vol. No. 1 by Christopher Hirsheimer and Melissa Hamilton, is the perfect opportunity to kill two birds (or lobsters, as the case may be) with one stone. The preparation couldn't be easier, but the results are positively luxurious. Homemade mayonnaise has a delicacy that the store-bought stuff just can't compare with. And the lobster? Well, lobster is pretty much never disappointing; but I've found that ones you cook at home are particularly satisfying.

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Cold Lobster with Homemade Mayonnaise

- serves 2 -

Adapted from Canal House Cooking, Vol. No. 1 by Christopher Hirsheimer and Melissa Hamilton.

Ingredients

Two 1 1/2-pound live lobsters
1 lemon, halved

For the Mayonnaise

1 large egg yolk
1/4 clove garlic, finely minced
Salt
Juice of half a lemon
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup good smooth "buttery" olive oil
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chervil or tarragon leaves (optional)

Procedure

1. Add water to a large pot to a depth of 2-3 inches. Be sure that the pot is big enough to accommodate a large colander. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.

2. Put the lobsters in the colander and place the colander inside the pot. Cover the pot and steam the lobsters for 15 minutes. Remove the colander with the lobsters and allow them to cool. Refrigerate the lobsters until fully chilled, about 2 hours.

3. For the mayonnaise, whisk together the egg yolk, garlic, a pinch of salt, and half of the lemon juice in a medium bowl. Combine the oils in a measuring cup with a spout. Add the oil to the yolk about 1 teaspoon at a time, whisking constantly. The mixture will thicken and emulsify. After you have added about 1/4 cup of the oil, you can begin to slowly drizzle in the remaining oil as you continue to whisk until you have a thick, glossy mayonnaise. Season with salt and thin with a little lemon juice if you like. Transfer the mayonnaise into a serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. If using herbs, stir them into the mayonnaise just before serving.

4. Put the lobsters on a cutting board, belly side down. Using a large kitchen knife, cut each lobster in half lengthwise. Crack the claws and knuckles with a nutcracker or by thwacking the back of the knife against the shells.

5. Arrange each lobster on a plate, cut side up, and add a lemon half to each plate. Pass the mayonnaise at the table.

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Tags: Canal House Cooking, Christopher Hirsheimer, Cook the Book, lobster, mayonnaise, Melissa Hamilton, seafood