Boiled Maine Lobster

Ingredients

2 medium white onions, sliced into 1-inch rounds

2 stalks celery, cut into thirds

1 small bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 bottle dry white wine

1 pound butter, melted

2 large carrots, cut into thirds

4 sprigs fresh thyme

1 large bay leaf

1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

Lobsters

6 lemons, halved

Directions

1. 1. Place onions, carrots, and celery in a large stockpot. Make a bouquet garni: Gather thyme, parsley, and bay leaf; tie into a bundle with kitchen string, then add to the stockpot.
2. 2. Fill stockpot 2/3rds full with cold water; set over high heat. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and let simmer about 30 minutes.
3. 3. Add white wine and peppercorns; simmer about 15 minutes more. Return to a boil.
4. 4. Depending on size of stockpot, quickly add 4 to 6 lobsters to boiling court-bouillon, making sure the liquid covers all the lobsters. Allow court-bouillon to return to a boil again, and cook lobsters about 12 minutes. Using tongs, remove lobsters, and transfer to a platter or large bowl. Repeat with remaining lobsters, working in batches if necessary.
5. 5. Using kitchen scissors, trim the tip of each lobster claw; allow the liquid to drain, and discard. Serve lobsters with melted butter and lemons.

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