Lobster Cocktail (Party starters)

 

For 4 portions

• 2 sticks celery, cut into fine strips
• 1-800 gr boiled fresh lobster or 1½ (227 gr) cans lobster
• 8 canned artichokes hearts
• 2 oranges
• 20 ml brandy
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper
• Small bunch fresh dill
• 4 fresh mint leaves
• 8 lettuce leaves
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons single cream
• Generous pinch each celery salt and Cayenne pepper
• 4 slices truffle (optional)

1. Blanch the celery strips in boiling salted water for 5 minutes, then drain and leave to cool.
2. Break the lobster flesh in small pieces ; drain the artichokes hearts and slice into quarters.
3. Peel one orange, remove the pith and chop the flesh.
4. Mix together the orange, celery, lobster and artichoke ; mix together the brandy and lemon juice, season to taste and pour over the lobster mixture then cover and marinate for 30 minutes.
5. Finely chop the fresh herbs.
6. Remove the lobster mixture from the marinade and allow to drain.
7. Line four individual glass dishes with the lettuce leaves and scoop the lobster cocktail on top.
8. Beat the mayonnaise with the cream, celery salt, Cayenne and herbs, and pour over the cocktail ; cut 4 slices from the center of the remaining orange and use to garnish the cocktails, together with the slices of truffle, if used.

BON APPÉTIT