Moules and Clams

What's not to like about moules and clams?? Not only is it fun to say, "MOULES", they're both fun to eat as well.  Toss them in a large, deep saute pan and slice up some shallots and fresh herbs, let them swim around in some white wine until they begin to peak out of their shells.  Finish it off with a few knobs of butter to balance out the dish and garnish with a handful of fresh chopped parsley...simple and fresh. Now you can really keep it classy and impress your friends, a hot date or even your ex by dropping in a few pinches of saffron into the white wine and let it steep for a bit.  Not only does it add a rich, exotic flavor but it gives the dish great color and a little extra flash!

The Geoduck

Creepy...I know.  This beast from the sea, pronounced "gooey duck", is actually a giant clam, also known as a king clam, mud duck or elephant-trunk clam.  These creatures are the longest living organisms in the animal kingdom reaching reaching reported ages of over 125-150 years old and weighing in at around 3 pounds, although specimens weighing 15 pounds and over 6 feet in length is not unheard of.  So how do you eat this thing you ask? Well there is pretty much only one way to prepare this so that its edible and somewhat appetizing. I prepared a court buillon, which is basically a flavored poaching liquid, starting with water and flavored with lemons, herbs and spices and brought to a simmer.  Toss in the Geoduck and let it simmer away for a good 12-15 mins, remove it from the stock pot and let it cool down until you can handle it.  Now here is the fun part...the trunk (which is the edible portion you will be enjoying) has a thick membrane or skin that needs to be peeled of before you can eat it...I know this is just getting better and better isn't it!  Once that's removed take a sharp knife and slice thin sushi like pieces and garnish with a little lemon juice or cocktail sauce or if you're really brave just "enjoy" it as is.  The texture is a little chewy and it doesn't have many redeeming qualities but hey, at least you can say you've tried a very rare mollusk that can go for around $168.00 US per pound in Asia.  Bon Appetit!

Administering the lobster his last rights

So for all of you who heard some old wives tale or internet hoax that lobsters actually let out a shriek when they meet their maker....Unfortunately i'm here to report that it's just not true! Lobsters in fact do not have vocal chords, but what they do have instead is an incredible sense of perception of what's going on around them.  This 2 pound crustacean was in full attack mode as soon as he saw my shiny 9 inch blade come within a foot of his dome...to the victor goes the spoils!!