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Our Recipes

Every week in our newsletter, we share a “recipe” either from the Cress Menu, a Cooking Class, or just something that we hope you will enjoy, try, and most importantly, make your own. Sometimes, the recipe will be without measurements, rather only ingredients. Sometimes, we will try to include suggested amounts to accomplish the desired flavour profile. But we must be clear that those measurements aren't meant to be taken too seriously (except in the case of vinaigrettes, classical sauces, or desserts). Please feel free to drop us a line as we will enjoy reading your feedback should you decide to try them, so please do not hesitate to let me know. Click on the links on the right to view the recipes.

SHELLFISH CHOWDER (BISQUE)
INGREDIENTS

1 lobster, 1.5 lb (live, if possible), cleaned, par cooked, save all shells
2 lb U-15 fresh wild shrimp, cleaned, save shells
1 lb fresh crab meat (need not be jumbo lump)
2 sticks celery, medium diced
1 medium red onion, medium diced
1 medium green pepper, medium diced
1 cup fresh corn, taken off the cob
2 large Russet potatoes, peeled, medium diced
1/4 lb unsalted butter
4 oz AP flour
1 tbs freshly minced garlic
2 pinches of Spanish saffron
4 bay leaves (fresh, if available)
2 tbs chopped fresh thyme plus 3 whole sprigs
4 oz cognac (or brandy)
1/4 cup fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped finely plus several stems
1 quart half and half (or heavy cream)
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)

PROCEDURE

SHELLFISH STOCK
Fabricate the lobster, take out the meat so it’s not fully cooked (poach for 2-3 minutes in seasoned hot water, chill on ice bath, take out all meat). Save all shells of the lobster and shrimp. To a stock pot, add the lobster and shrimp shells and roast in a bit of olive oil on medium heat for about 10 minutes. Add some brandy and roast for a few more minutes. Add whole thyme sprigs, 2-3 bay leaves, parsley stems, one pinch of saffron, and a 1 gallon of cold water. Simmer for 1 hour or until the broth reduces by at least half. Strain well and set aside.

THE CHOWDER
Melt the butter and add the flour in a heavy bottomed stainless pot on low-medium heat, whisk periodically to make a blond roux. Add the onions, celery, and bell pepper and sauté until translucent. Season lightly with salt and pepper to draw out the flavours. Add the garlic, thyme, bay leaves and corn. Sauté for a minute on medium heat. Add the half and half (or heavy cream) and bring to a low simmer. Add the saffron and the shellfish broth. Re-season with salt and pepper. Simmer on low heat until it the soup thickens slightly. Whish the broth periodically so the bottom doesn’t burn. It may take as long as 45 minutes. Add the potatoes and simmer for 5 minutes, add the shellfish meat and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes until the shrimp are just done. Taste and re-season if necessary. Finish with the fresh parsley and some more cognac.

Hari's Recipes