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Lobster with Champagne Vanilla Sauce
For special occasions, theres nothing like lobster. This rich
Champagne butter sauce, heady with fragrant vanilla, is perfect for
an evening of celebration.
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For the sauce: |
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1 |
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vanilla bean |
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1 |
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small sprig fresh thyme |
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1 |
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tablespoon minced shallots |
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1 |
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teaspoon tarragon vinegar |
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2 |
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cups champagne |
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1/4 |
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pound unsalted butter |
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For the lobster: |
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4 |
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7-ounce Lobster tails |
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1/4 |
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pound unsalted butter |
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2 |
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teaspoons lemon juice |
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1 |
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teaspoon snipped fresh chives |
To prepare the sauce: Cut the vanilla bean in half and split lengthwise.
Place the split vanilla bean in a heavy-bottom 1-quart saucepan with
the thyme, shallots, vinegar, and champagne. Bring the liquid just to
a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer until it is reduced to 1/2 cup, about
30 minutes. The reduction will be a clear golden color.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the liquid through a sieve.
Reserve the vanilla bean. Rinse the saucepan and return the strained
reduction to the pan. Using a sharp paring knife, scrape the tiny seeds
from the vanilla bean into the reduction.
Bring the reduction to a simmer and whisk in the butter, one tablespoon
at a time, allowing the butter to fully incorporate into the sauce after
the addition of each tablespoon, until the sauce is glistening and smooth.
Remove from heat and set aside until the lobster is ready.
Meanwhile, prepare the lobsters: Skewer each lobster tail lengthwise
with a wooden or metal skewer so the tail will keep from curling as it
cooks.
In a blender, pulse the butter with the lemon juice and the chives.
Using a pastry bag fitted with a small plain tube, pipe the chive butter
into each lobster tail between the shell and the meat.
Place the lobster tails in the center of the cooking grate. Grill,
turning every 2 to 3 minutes, until the lobster is cooked, about 12 to
15 minutes. When done, the shells will be a rich reddish-brown and the
meal will be firm, juicy, and coral-white. Using sharp kitchen scissors,
cut the grilled lobster from their shells and serve immediately with
the warm sauce.
Makes 4 servings.
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