Lobsters and a Valentine's Day Giveaway! 01/21/2012
 Remember when I told you about my New Year's Resolutions? And how my friend Marnely from Cooking with Books and I had made a resolution to cook a live lobster (after humanely killing it, of course)? Well, we set a deadline of end of January to do so, so I needed to find a live lobster ASAP. I didn't even know where to find a live lobster, so I performed a google search and found a great lobster company out of Maine, Simply Lobsters. I worked with Don, who was an absolute joy to work with. He was so quick to respond to my email and sent me a lobster to review via overnight shipping. I spoke to him at 9am on Wednesday and by 9am the next morning there was a fresh 3lb. lobster from Maine sitting at my front door (carefully wrapped up of course!)! Keep reading to see how you can win the giveaway of two 1.65 lb lobsters for Valentine's Day! The lobster arrived alive, as it should be, and was carefully packaged with its claws wrapped in rubber bands (so it didn't attack me!). Here's a sneak peak at the whole process:         Now I have to admit, I was having a lot of emotions: nervous, excited, a little scared...but I knew that this was a culinary right of passage that I definitely wanted to do. I spent hours doing research online about the most humane way to kill a lobster, and while there are many schools of thought on this, I decided to go with the quick kill with the knife, after a short period of freezing the lobster to numb it up. Here are a few of the articles/videos I read/watched with regards to humanely killing a lobster: http://www.finecooking.com/item/11058/video-how-to-kill-a-lobster http://homecooking.about.com/od/seafood/a/lobsterkill.htm http://cooking-lobster.com/cooking-lobster/lobster-killing.html http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118375568129659493-search.html I decided to go with this method of killing the lobster because it does seem more humane to kill it quickly and painlessly than to throw it in boiling water (even though most research shows that they don't feel this either). In addition, when a lobster is dumped into boiling water while alive, it can tighten up from the shock of the temperature change, toughening up the meat. This is why most professional chefs opt for the knife method (including Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin...love him). Below: lobster in the freezer and stock pot coming to a boil   I filmed the entire process, however, I will warn you in advance that this shows the whole process and if you do not want to see the knife method, then you probably should just forego watching the video. While I respect the opinions of those who think killing an animal is cruel and vegetarians, I personally do not share this belief and killing an animal before you eat it is the natural circle of life. Also: I did my best to make a good video, however, my kitchen is very small and makes filming difficult, so I apologize in advance but I tried my hardest :)  Cooking the Lobster: SimplyLobsters.com sent me a whole sheet of instructions, and it goes to all of their customers as well! It gives instructions for both boiling and steaming. I chose to boil the lobster, but there are a variety of ways to cook it (grilling, baking, broiling etc.).  They also give you a complimentary bib with each order (some exceptions apply)--totally precious, I know... I chose to cook it simply, because with such a high quality product, I wanted to maintain the integrity of the ingredient. This lobster came out absolutely gorgeous with delicate, tender meat. I made simple clarified butter sauce to go with it:  The Elements: 2 sticks of butter, cut into chunks 3 chives, chopped finely 1/2 shallot, minced sea salt and pepper to taste pinch of paprika at the very end  Directions: Melt the butter over low-medium heat When the white stuff comes up to the top (very technical culinary language, I know), spoon it off, leaving only the translucent part of the butter Add in the chives and shallots while still very hot, then salt and pepper to taste, at the very end, add the pinch of paprika   Check out how big the claw is!  The Verdict: Absolutely stunning. As you can see from the video and pictures, the lobster came in a carefully wrapped package and was gorgeous. When it was cooked, it was that fantastic shade of red that you know means the lobster will taste incredible. The meat was tender, delicious, and totally lived up to the hype of a live lobster from Maine. Simply Lobsters was definitely a great way to go. As I said before, Don was great to work with and he was happy to send me a lobster to review--the true sign of someone confident in their product. As he should be...this lobster totally lived up to and surpassed my expectations. *Disclaimer: this lobster was sent to me free of charge from SimplyLobsters.com. Although I received the product for free, the opinions and description is completely my own and I was not compensated for any of these statements.  Now for the GIVEAWAY! Simply Lobsters has offered to provide one lucky Order in the Kitchen reader two 1.65 lb lobsters for Valentine's Day! First Entry: Leave a comment telling me your favorite way to prepare lobsters (boil, steam, grill etc.), your favorite way to serve it, or why you want to win! Additional Entries: (You must leave a separate comment for EACH additional entry to count)
I think this is the PERFECT giveaway for Valentine's Day and here's why... I'm absolutely, ridiculously obsessed with FRIENDS. I watch it almost every day and have done so for the last umm 8-9 years. I love it, more that any other TV show. Ever. If you are a FRIENDS fan, then you probably already know what I'm talking about but for those of you who don't, this video will show you why lobsters are perfect for Valentine's Day: Comments01/21/2012 21:34
First of all, how cute are you and I've never met a lobster I didn't like. Th more butter to go with the better! Fantastic Giveaway : ) I grew up in Maine and we spent our summers at Ocean Point near Boothbay Harbor. I remember meeting the lobster boats as they arrived back at the pier and within an hour we were on the shore with lobsters, clams, corn, melted butter and happy faces all around. Pita 01/21/2012 23:02
I love lobster grilled the most, but lobster anyway is completely acceptable. I mean c'mon! It's LoBsTeR! Nom Nom Nom. I have never cooked one but am eager to try! Whoever wins will be lucky indeed :) Pita 01/21/2012 23:04
Oh and I currently already follow OinK on twitter and like them on Facebook. Who doesn't? 01/22/2012 16:25
Have yet to attempt lobster, so it would be a first for me too! Lauren 01/22/2012 21:37
My favorite way to prepare lobster is by boiling (because I find it to be the easiest), however my favorite way to eat lobster is grilled....with lots and lots of butter....mmm! Becky 01/22/2012 21:37
I gotcha girl. tweet tweet! Amy 01/23/2012 10:41
Firstly, Lynn, I love your blog! What a great idea... and I love perusing it, being big on cooking myself. Hope everything's going well for you! 01/23/2012 15:19
What a fun giveaway! I've actually never made lobster at home either, but I'd love to give it a try (though my partner is very squeamish about live animals in our kitchen). I'm a fan of lobster with clarified butter. Simple and classic. Katherine 01/23/2012 17:36
I love lobster grilled or boiled the best but really anyway will do!! I would love to win this so I can give my wonderful fiancé lobster for valentines day! It is his absolute favorite thing in the world and he does so much for me that I would like to surprise him with a lobster dinner! Lucy 01/23/2012 21:28
The first lobster I had was on a family vacation to Maine. So I like it best the way I had it there- boiled, with butter. Nothing else to compete with the taste. :) 01/23/2012 21:51
Ob girl! You are braver than I am. Even though decapitating/killing a lobster would scare me I would love to win!!! I like a steamed or boiled lobster best! 01/24/2012 00:49
Every year on valentines day my boyfriend and I stay in and make surf and turf. So much more fun staying in and enjoying cooking with each other compared to going out and being crammed in a restaurant with a million other couples. We've both grilled and boiled, but grilled with garlic butter is hands down my fave. Such a fun contest idea!!! 01/24/2012 00:52
I just tweeted about entering the contest and I also all ready follow oik on twitter :) Scott Hitchcock 01/24/2012 00:59
I like to BBQ my lobster with a citrus butter sauce! Alex Cumings 01/24/2012 09:36
Dear Lynn, Megan Ramaley 01/24/2012 12:13
I just tweeted about the contest Lauren 01/24/2012 14:59
I liked Simply Lobsters on Facebook!! Kristin 01/24/2012 15:36
I love lobster. My country club used to make the most amazing lobster mac and cheese. I couldn't find fresh lobster, but we used previously frozen ones ( i know they are not as good but they work), and grilled then and basted them with chipotle butter....they were delicious lissy 01/24/2012 15:46
Amanda Beck 01/24/2012 16:48
LOVE lobster!! Also...loved Order in the kitchen on fbook!! :) 01/24/2012 22:09
Wow, how fun! Can't enter to comp as I'm in Australia, but just loved the story and video. Have never tried to cook a live lobster, will put it on my bucket list too :) 01/25/2012 15:42
Loved this and I love that we are doing these challenged together! I'm just...a little nervous but with your encouragement, I'm totally buying that lobster tomorrow! I love lobster baked....dipped in butter! 01/25/2012 15:44
I tweeted and now that I think about it, if I won this, I'd send it to my best friend, she'd love to cook some lobster in her pregnant state! (I think?) :P Diane M. 01/25/2012 16:43
I recently discovered how delicious grilled lobster with butter is! Diane M. 01/25/2012 16:44
I like Order in the Kitchen on facebook Diane M. 01/25/2012 16:45
I like Simply Lobsters on facebook Nathan Miller 01/25/2012 16:49
I love to put a char on them on the grill to get that BBQ flavor and them finish them in the oven with a little panko and Parmesan on top! Cat 01/25/2012 20:53
So far been eating them steamed or boiled but wouldn't mind trying other options! looks like grilling them is a good choice Cat 01/25/2012 20:55
I like Simply Lobsters on FB Cat 01/25/2012 20:55
I like Order in the Kitchen on FB Cat 01/25/2012 20:56
I follow Order in the Kitchen on Twitter Cat 01/25/2012 20:56
i tweeted (1/25) Lyn 01/26/2012 18:00
I like them boiled with clarified butter that has a hint of garlic and lemon. And I would love to surprise hubby with a lobster dinner on Valentine's Day! It's his favorite. Lyn 01/26/2012 18:01
Have Liked Simply Lobsters on Facebook Lyn 01/26/2012 18:02
Have Liked Order in the Kitchen on Facebook Lyn 01/26/2012 18:13
Following you on Twitter Lyn 01/26/2012 18:13
Tweeted: Cat 01/26/2012 23:31
tweet 1/26 01/27/2012 01:28
Great job!!! I am so impressed with your lobster skills! I have only had lobster a few times - never cooked my own - but this would certainly be a fun way to surprise the BF for Valentine's Day. I love boiled, but grilled can be good too :) Kelley Murray 01/27/2012 01:52
Love my lobster boiled! If I could make a nice lobster bisque (chunky, not fine) then I would! Kelley Murray 01/27/2012 01:53
I liked Simply Lobsters on Facebook Kelley Murray 01/27/2012 01:54
Liked Order in the Kitchen on Facebook Kelley Murray 01/27/2012 01:55
Followed @OrderintheKitch on Twitter. Kelley Murray 01/27/2012 01:56
Tweeted about the giveaway comment via facebook: The reason I'd like to win Lobsters is because when I was a child, my Dad pastored a church in Enfield Maine and of course, we often ate Maine lobsters. He died there and we moved to the Midwest and I've never eaten another Lobster at home. I'd love to learn to boil them. Dad would tell us they screamed when you drop em in the water and he'd turn his head and yell when he dropped one. We were stupid children! (lol!) But at 61, I'm much brighter! Penelope 01/27/2012 21:13
I have never tried lobster so I would love to win so that I have the chance... Plus it would be a great dinner for me and my group of single friends to enjoy together on Valentine's Day Penelope 01/27/2012 21:14
I am following on Twitter Penelope 01/27/2012 21:14
I like OinK on FB Penelope 01/27/2012 21:15
I liked SimplyLobsters on FB Penelope 01/27/2012 21:16
I tweeted about the contest Cat 01/27/2012 23:48
tweet 1/27 Kelley Murray 01/28/2012 07:50
Not sure if I have to comment on every day I tweet....but I tweeted again today!! Bettina 01/28/2012 17:40
Ooo... Lobster! I've never cooked one, but here's why I'd like to: I'm planning a fabulous Valentine's dinner for my sweetie. Even though we live together, just for fun I'm sending a beautiful invitation by mail. I've been planning on lobster for the main course, and now I found this giveaway! Perfect! Now I just need some luck to win it. ;) Cat 01/28/2012 23:11
1/28 tweet Carmen 01/28/2012 23:33
I would love to win because finding fresh seafood here in the Midwest is difficult at best. Plus, my husband loves lobster and this would be a great treat for him for Valentines Day Kelley M 01/29/2012 03:06
Tweeted again today 1/29 Charlene 01/29/2012 14:12
I have never cooked a lobster, would like to try grilling one. Thanks for the chance to win. Charlene 01/29/2012 14:17
I like simply lobster on facebook - Charlene G Charlene 01/29/2012 14:30
I do like Order in the Kitchen on facebook - Charlene G Charlene 01/29/2012 15:29
I follow on twitter - @Btrflywmn I love your blog and my wife and I love trying to recreate your dishes! That said, I'm a guy and grilling is the way to go. Nothing better than that sweet lobster with a slightly smokey flavor. Make some tarragon butter on the side and you are good to go! I'm also sort of like Joey from Friends and think everything is better in a sandwich, so lobster rolls wouldn't be a bad way to go either. Christian 01/29/2012 21:42
I like order in the kitchen on facebook Christian 01/29/2012 21:42
I like simply lobsters on facebook Cat 01/29/2012 23:54
tweeted! Kelley Murray 01/30/2012 00:50
Tweeted again today 1-30 Lyn 01/30/2012 21:33
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/CatsLitterBox/status/164173992771584000 Cat 01/31/2012 00:00
tweet Jackie F 01/31/2012 00:06
Love them broiled. Will love to win this for my dear husband. I really hope I win :). Thanks for this great giveaway Kelley Murray 01/31/2012 09:36
Tweeted again today 1/31 https://twitter.com/#!/Kittykt001/status/164356125117005825 Charlene 01/31/2012 12:44
tweeted - https://twitter.com/#!/Btrflywmn/status/164402874686775297 Becky 01/31/2012 17:06
i am entering again times 50!!!! Danielle 01/31/2012 22:09
I love steamed lobster with the fresh and homemade clarified butter. Yummy!! I'd love to win and prepare my fiance and myself a lovely Valentine's Day dinner!! Thanks for the opportunity, love your blog! Lyn 01/31/2012 22:18
Tweeted! Kelley Murray 02/01/2012 11:40
I tweeted again today 2/1/2012 Kristin N 02/01/2012 12:09
I love my lobster grilled, but will eat it anyway. Some citrus herb butter would be delish. Patti J. 02/01/2012 12:19
Love lobstah!! Hope I win. I just tweeted about it. Patti J 02/01/2012 12:21
And of course you know I follow you on twitter and like you on Facebook Or vice versa. Whatever. Cano 02/01/2012 18:27
I love it boiled (and other ways too), w/butter. Also I love on salads, lobster cocktail, and with steak if I'm really splurging!! Matt Krueger-Andes 02/01/2012 19:19
Steamed and paired with a filet! Brooke 02/01/2012 21:31
This is the cutest little blog ever!! I love it on the grill... I seem to have issues getting the whole lobster in a pot of water! Oh and with a slab of rare steak :) Lyn 02/01/2012 21:49
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/CatsLitterBox/status/164902939784257536 Cat 02/01/2012 22:36
last tweet! Laura Beeman 02/06/2012 13:01
I grew up in New England and loved the backyard BBQs where the parents all had lobster and us kids got hotdogs. Occaisionally we got to suck on the legs. Now that I'm an adult - I still love my lobster boiled in a big pot as the star attraction in an outdoor BBQ! Leave a Reply |  AuthorHi all! I'm Lynn Lovejoy, the Attorney in an Apron! I am a recent law school graduate who discovered a passion for cooking along the way. Join me, and be my jury throughout the proceedings. 
   ArchivesFebruary 2012 CategoriesAll Order in the Kitchen! TM
|
RSS Feed