Lobster Hushpuppies With Horseradish Cream

Step 1

For the cream: In a small mixing bowl, add the sour cream, heavy cream, horseradish, chives, salt and 3 to 4 turns pepper. Whisk to combine, then cover and refrigerate.

Step 2

For the lobster: In a large pot, add 3 inches cold water, the white wine, crab boil seasoning, peppercorns, salt, garlic and lemons. Bring to a boil then drop in the lobster tails and poach until the shells turn bright red and the flesh is just cooked through, 7 to 8 minutes. Remove the tails from the cooking liquid and cool slightly before picking the meat from the shells.

Step 3

For the hushpuppies: Place half of the lobster meat and the buttermilk in the pitcher of a blender and puree until smooth. Roughly chop the remaining lobster meat and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, red peppers, baking powder, black pepper, jalapenos and 2 teaspoons salt. Stir in the scallions, eggs and the lobster-buttermilk mixture, and then fold in the chopped lobster tails. Mix until combined.

Step 4

In a large Dutch oven set over medium heat, add 2 to 3 inches of canola oil. Heat until a deep-frying thermometer inserted in the oil reaches 350 degrees F.

Step 5

Working in batches, place heaping tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil. Use two spoons or a 2-tablespoon scoop to form the dumplings and drop into the oil. Fry the hushpuppies, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, 3 to 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the hushpuppies from the oil and place on a paper-towel-lined plate. Season with salt and squeeze lemon juice over the top.

Step 6

Serve the crispy hushpuppies with the chilled horseradish cream.