Deciding on a menu for an elegant dinner party isn’t always easy. However, choosing Maine lobster as the main dish certainly ensures the guests will be surprised and pleased. Be sure to ask guests ahead of time about any food allergies and preferences. If shellfish is an option, go ahead with menu planning and wow them with a gourmet lobster dinner. It will be a dinner party the guests will never forget.
How to Order Live Lobsters
Live lobsters can be purchased at most grocery stores, however if interested in authentic Maine lobsters that are both succulent and of high quality, order them from Maine and have them shipped overnight via Federal Express. Though this may be slightly more expensive, it is well worth the extra money for a very special event. The lobsters shipped from Maine often have a sweeter taste than those purchased from a grocery store.
Once the lobsters arrive, make sure to store them in a refrigerator along with their packing materials. The lobsters must be cooked the day they are received so plan the dinner party accordingly.
Ingredients (Recipe is for 6 people)
- 6 lobsters
- 6 ears of corn
- 2 loaves of bread
- 1 can of beer
- 1/8 cup of sea salt
- 6 Butter warmers (Individual ramekins that hold a single tea light votive underneath the ramekins. They are fantastic for melting butter and keeping it warm at the table).
Use a large pot (around 5 gallons) that is big enough to hold all of the lobsters comfortably. Set the burner to high heat and bring water to a rolling boil. It is important there is enough room and the lobsters are not too crowded. If there isn't enough room, the lobsters may be cooked unevenly.
People who are from Maine often include salt water while cooking the lobsters. Often this isn’t an option, so instead, add 1/8 cup of sea salt and the contents of one beer. It doesn’t really matter what type of beer, just one that gives a little extra flavor. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
Pick up the lobsters one at a time. Be sure to pick them up by the body, with the claws facing out. Add the lobsters head first and make sure their heads are completely submerged. Cover the pot and return to boil. Stir the lobsters halfway through the cooking time.
- 1 pound – 10 minutes
- 1 ¼ pound – 11 minutes
- 1 ½ pounds- 12 minutes
- 1 1/3 pounds- 13 minutes
- 2 pounds- 15 minutes
- 2 ½ pounds- 20 minutes
(The times provided are for hard shell lobsters. If the lobsters are soft shell, reduce the time by two minutes.)
A lobster is fully cooked when it is bright red. To test if it is completely done, pick up the lobster tongs. The tail will curl when the chef tries to uncurl the tail and it will be tight and flip back to the curled position. When cracked open, the lobster should be a white color vs. a translucent color.
What to Serve With the Lobsters
The lobsters are really the main event and there isn’t much else that is needed. Consider boiling some corn on the cob and place on the platter with the lobster when it is done. The bright red and yellow look gorgeous together on a serving platter. A couple of loaves of bread are also a nice accompaniment to the meal.
Be sure to set out the butter warmers, nut or lobster crackers, lots of napkins and a bowl to empty shells in. Enjoy!
 |
