Thursday, March 26, 2009

Lobster And Shellfish: Taste Adventures Made Easy

By Shannon Linnen

No one should miss the opportunity to sit down to a dinner of fresh shellfish. Living near a coastline would obviously be the easiest way to enjoy such a dinner. Although residents of inland communities may not have as easy access, they may step out to the local fishmonger or restaurant in the area specializing in fresh shellfish who likely have their produce shipped in fresh on a daily basis. A more convenient option is to purchase fresh shellfish from a reputable online store. As Fedex offers overnight delivery within the continental US, you can enjoy a fresh seafood meal on a regular basis without having to settle for the poor substitute of a frozen entree.

Who is to question the king of seafood is none other than lobster? It must have taken a brave person to decide to try this thing the first time. Believe it or not, they were very unpopular for the longest time. To us, this pricey delicacy was once the food of peasants. Although true, it will probably be only a small comfort when your forking over $11.95 a pound in stores or $29.95 in a restaurant. Lots of times, the only way to ensure your getting the freshest lobster as possible is to order online. After all, this way you can be certain its fresh because you are ordering fresh from the coast and having it shipped directly to you.

To prepare lobster at home, you buy one per person, alive and kicking at your fishmonger or seafood counter, bringing them home in a bag. Do not put them in fresh water; people often do, but it will kill them. Just close the bag well and keep it in the refrigerator. Plan to eat them that evening; they don't really keep.

Here's the tough part. Each lobster, sadly, will have to give its life for your meal, and you are the one who has to make it happen. To do it humanely, you can drop them into water that is at a violent rolling boil, or you can put them out of their misery first by inserting the point of a knife briskly between the head and the body, which kills them instantly. If you choose the second option, they can be steamed in less water. You can also grill them.

Prepare your lobster with butter and lemon, grab a bib and jump right in. The shell is filled with yummy nuggets of meat. You can also eat the green tomalley or red roe found in the body, gourmets love it.

This type of ocean-based meal doesn't need limit itself to lobster, of course. What about trying some fresh shellfish like mussels (just scrub them well and steam them in water, wine or broth)? What about steamer clams, which you steam and then dip in clam broth to wash any remaining sand from the beach? Oysters are popular fried, baked, and even raw. And then there's shrimp, langoustines, crayfish? To enjoy the gift of the sea, these are all delicious ways.

You can prepare your tasty and delicious seafood feast in an unlimited amount of ways, for starters just simply boiling or steaming your seafood choice is enough to create a tasty dinner for two or a group of friends. You certainly do not need to be a chef or attend any cooking classes.

Should these kind of seafood be still a bit daunting, there's another choice for the faint of heart. You can always go to the soup aisle and purchase some clam chowder. Fresh fish is better, but you'll at least get the true briny taste of the ocean. Serve it with oyster crackers, perhaps an extra dash of cream, and lots of ground black pepper. Then think you're on the shore.

A seafood feast is best saved for when you really want to make a good impression on either your friends or your family. One thing is for sure, this is the kind of legendary event that leave very long lasting impressions on everyone attending! The decision to have a lobster and shellfish taste adventure may end up being a historical event and will be the topic of conversation whenenver someone brings up good times and great food.

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