Lobster Corn Chowder

Remove the meat from the shells of the lobsters. Cut the meat into large cubes and place them in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Rserve the shells and all the juices that collect. Cut the corn kernels from the cobs and set aside, reserving the cobs separately.

For the stock, melt the butter in a stockpot or Dutch oven large enough to hold all of the lobster shells and corncobs. Add 1 cup chopped onion and cook over medium-low heat for 7 minutes, until translucent but not browned, stirring occasionally. Add ¹⁄₄ cup of sherry and the paprika and cook for 1 minute. Add the milk, cream, wine, lobster shells and their juices, and corncobs and bring to a simmer. Partially cover the pot and simmer the stock over the lowest heat setting for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, in another stockpot or Dutch oven, heat a dash of olive oil and cook the bacon for 4 to 5 minutes over medium-low heat until browned and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and reserve. Add the potatoes, remaining onions, celery, corn kernels, salt and pepper to the same pot and saute for 5 minutes. When the stock is ready, remove the largest pieces of lobster shell and corncobs with tongs and discard. Place a strainer over the soup pot and carefully pour the stock into the pot with the potatoes and corn. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Add the cooked lobster, chives and the remaining sherry to taste. Heat gently and serve hot with crisp bacon to garnish.