Matatuck Mystery Cocktail Recipes

MUSSELS WITH CHORIZO AND FENNEL

Steps:

• Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and chorizo and saute for about 2 minutes. Then the celery, garlic, tomatoes, fennel and onions, and saute until tender but not too soft, 5 to 8 minutes.
• Add the mussels, and saute again until the mussels start to pop open. Add the clam juice and wine and cover the skillet. Steam the mussels until they open, 7 to 10 minutes. Remove any mussels that didn't open, and transfer the rest from the skillet to a serving bowl(s), leaving the liquid behind. Add the butter and simmer until the liquid reduces a bit, about 2 minutes.
• Pour the liquid over the mussels and serve with a delightful crusty bread.

LOBSTER DEVILED EGGS

Steps:

• Bring 3 to 4 inches of water to a boil in a large pasta pot. Add the lobster, cover and steam until fully cooked and the shell is bright red, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the meat from the shell and dice into 1/2-inch chunks.
• Halve the eggs and reserve the yolks. In a bowl, mash the yolks and add the mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, ground mustard, chives, celery salt, salt and pepper to taste, celery and onions. Mix all together so that the yolk mixture is creamy. Fold in most of the lobster, reserving 24 small pieces. Add salt and pepper to taste, and then stuff the egg white halves with the filling. Garnish with a touch of fresh dill and a little piece of lobster. Sprinkle with paprika.

SEARED SCALLOPS WITH BASIL CREAMED CORN AND CRISPY PROSCIUTTO

Steps:

• For the basil oil: Place the basil into the oil and set aside to infuse.
• For the basil creamed corn: Cook the shallots in the butter over low heat, covered, until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the cream and corn kernels, and cook over low heat for another 2 minutes. Taste and add some sugar (up to 1/4 cup) if the corn is not sweet enough. Cook over low heat until the cream reduces and thickens, 8 to 12 minutes more. Add the basil and remove from the heat.
• For the scallops: Add the canola oil to a very hot large skillet. When shimmering, add the scallops and sear until lightly browned, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes per side.
• To serve, divide the creamed corn among 4 plates and top with the scallops. Crumble over the prosciutto and drizzle with basil oil (holding back the leaves).

CLAMS CASINO WITH COMPOUND BUTTER

Steps:

• In a skillet over medium heat, saute the garlic, onion and peppers in the olive oil until the vegetables are softened. Let cool completely.
• Combine the pepper mixture with the butter and mix well to combine.
• Preheat the broiler.
• Open the clams and place on a baking sheet. Top each clam with a dollop of compound butter, some bacon and breadcrumbs. (You may not use all of the butter.) Drizzle with olive oil and white wine.
• Broil until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown. Serve immediately.

NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER

Steps:

• In a deep stockpot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and celery and saute until translucent, about 4 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and stir. Let the flour cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add 8 cups water and the clam base and whisk vigorously, making sure there are no lumps from the flour. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and stir in the potatoes and chopped clams. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add the cream, dill, and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring back to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until thickened, another 20 minutes. Check for seasoning, add a few dashes hot sauce, and serve with your favorite crusty bread.