Instructions

FOR LOBSTER STOCK:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Place lobster shells, carrot, celery, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet with lip; coat with canola oil.
3. Bake for 35 minutes until lightly browned.
4. Carefully remove from the oven and deglaze baking sheet with white wine.
5. Add baking sheet ingredients with liquid to a large stockpot.
6. Add water, bay leaf, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
7. Bring lobster stock to boil over medium-high heat, then lower to medium-low heat.
8. Let stock cook slowly until stock reduces by half, 60 to 80 minutes.
9. Carefully strain the stock, reserving 1 cup for the lobster cheese sauce.
10. Set aside. (May be made 2 days in advance, cover and refrigerate.)

FOR TORTILLA CHIPS:

1. Preheat frying oil to 350°F.
2. While oil is heating, cut tortillas into 6 pie-shaped pieces.
3. Once the oil is hot, add tortillas in small batches for 2 to 4 minutes (frying times will vary).
4. Remove from fryer once chips are lightly browned, lightly season with salt.
5. Continue until all tortillas are fried and salted.
6. Set aside. (May be made 2 days in advance; store in a sealed plastic bag.)

FOR SEASONED BLACK BEANS:

1. Rinse beans in a colander until the water runs clear.
2. Place beans in a medium mixing bowl, mix in remaining ingredients until just combined.
3. Set aside. (May be made 2 days in advance; cover and refrigerate.)

FOR PICO DE GALLO:

1. Mix all ingredients except serrano pepper in a medium bowl.
2. Add 1/2 serrano pepper, mix and taste; add additional serrano pepper until desired spiciness.
3. Set aside. (May be made 2 days in advance; cover and refrigerate.)

FOR MIXED CHEESE:

Grate cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses in a medium bowl and toss together. Set aside. (May be made 2 days in advance; cover and refrigerate.)

FOR ROASTED GARLIC:

1. Remove tips from garlic cloves.
2. Add garlic to a small pot and cover with canola oil.
3. Gently poach garlic on medium-low heat until lightly browned and soft.
4. Remove garlic and set aside for use in chipotle crema. (Save garlic oil in the refrigerator for everyday cooking.)

FOR CHIPOTLE CREMA:

1. Purée chipotle and roasted garlic in a food processor.
2. Add purée and remaining ingredients to mixing bowl and mix thoroughly.
3. Pour crema in squeeze bottle or plastic zip bag.
4. Refrigerate until ready to use. (May be made 2 days in advance; keep refrigerated.)

FOR LOBSTER CHEESE SAUCE:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Lightly coat poblanos with 1/2 teaspoon canola oil, place on baking sheet; roast for 15 minutes.
3. Lightly coat shallots and garlic with remaining 1/2 teaspoon canola oil, add to poblanos on baking sheet; roast for an additional 25 minutes until caramelized.
4. Purée caramelized garlic, shallots, and poblanos in a food processor until smooth.
5. Melt butter in large pot over medium heat.
6. Add flour to make a roux, stirring constantly until smooth and light golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes.
7. Add cream and bring to boil, stirring constantly; continue to stir and cook for 10 minutes.
8. Add reserved lobster stock and poblano purée; bring to simmer, stirring occasionally.
9. Slowly add Oaxaca and cheddar cheeses.
10. Stir constantly until all cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
11. Set aside; hold warm.

FOR COOKED LOBSTER:

1. Ensure lobster meat is cleaned and veins removed.
2. Chop lobster in large bite-size pieces.
3. Heat butter in large sauté pan over medium heat.
4. Add lobster pieces, salt, pepper, lime juice, and zest to the pan.
5. Once fully cooked (145F°), remove lobster pieces with a slotted spoon.
6. Set aside; hold warm.

TO SERVE:

1. Preheat broiler to 500°F. Spread chips on one large or 2 medium oven-safe plates.  (Use a nice baking sheet if you do not have oven-safe plates.)
2. Layer with black beans, lobster cheese sauce, and mixed cheddar/jack cheese, ensuring to cover all chips.
3. Broil until cheese is melted, watching carefully, 2 to 4 minutes.
4. Carefully remove plate/sheet, add pico de gallo; top with lobster.
5. Drizzle chipotle crema and garnish with sliced serrano peppers (optional). Serve immediately.