Lobster and Melon Salad with Hazelnut Oil
- 1 small shallot, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon honey
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 live lobsters (1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds each)
- 1/4 cantaloupe or other orange fleshed melon, seeds and rind removed
- 1/4 honeydew or other green-fleshed melon, seeds and rind removed
- 2 ounces (about 2 large handfuls) baby arugula
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped toasted hazelnuts for garnish
- 4 large fresh mint leaves, chopped, for garnish
- For the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, combine the shallot, vinegar, mustard, and honey.
- Whisk in the oils gradually.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- For the lobsters: Put 2 gallons cold water in a stockpot with 1/2 cup salt.
- Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Add the lobsters and cover.
- When the water returns to a boil, uncover and boil for 12 minutes.
- Transfer the lobsters to ice water to chill quickly.
- Twist off the lobster tail, knuckles, and claws; discard the rest of the carcass.
- Crack open the shell of the tail and remove the meat in one piece, or use your finger or a small fork to push the meat out through the larger end.
- Crack the knuckle shells and remove the meat.
- To extract the meat from the claw, jiggle the small lower appendage until it snaps, then remove it.
- Crack the shell of the claw and pull out the meat in one piece, if possible.
- Cut the tail into 1/2-inch chunks and cut the knuckle meat into 2 or 3 pieces.
- Leave the claws whole.
- Slice the melon quarters thinly lengthwise, then cut each slice crosswise into thirds.
- Put the lobster in a bowl with the melon.
- Toss with the vinaigrette, using as much as you need to moisten the lobster and fruit.
- Add the arugula and more dressing, if needed, and toss again.
- Divide among individual plates or arrange on a platter.
- Garnish with hazelnuts and mint.
- Serve immediately.
- Enjoy with Cakebread Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay or another full-bodied white wine.
shallot, sherry vinegar, mustard, honey, extravirgin olive oil, hazelnut oil, kosher salt, live lobsters, cantaloupe, honeydew, baby arugula, mint
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/lobster-and-melon-salad-with-hazelnut-oil-388184 (may not work)