Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cups lobster stock
  • 1 tablespoon pureed chipotle
  • 2 tablespoons ancho puree
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 16 large shrimp, shelled and deveined
  • 16 large sea scallops
  • 3 medium carrots, scraped and cut into 2-inch sticks
  • 2 medium zucchini, cut into thin 2-inch sticks
  • 2 1/2 cups canned posole, rinsed and well drained
  • 40 small clams, such as manila or cockles
  • Cilantro sprigs
  • 1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 cups coarsely ground blue cornmeal
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons baking powder
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 1 canned chipotle
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 2 tablespoons chopped red onion
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper

Method

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sweat the onion for 5 minutes.
  • Add the stock and simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Add the pureed chipotles, ancho puree and honey and simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • In a large saucepan over high heat, heat the olive oil and saute the shrimp and scallops for 3 minutes on one side.
  • Turn them over and reduce the heat to medium, add the strained reserved broth, the carrots, zucchini, posole and clams.
  • Simmer, covered for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the clams open.
  • Discard any that do not open.
  • Correct the seasoning.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • In a food processor, combine the butter, cornmeal, flour, baking powder, eggs, and salt.
  • Process 20 to 30 seconds, until just mixed.
  • You may have to do this in 2 batches.
  • Pour in the buttermilk and process for 20 seconds more.
  • Pour into a buttered 12 by 12-inch pan, and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until firm to the touch and golden.
  • Cut into squares.
  • Serve hot with red chile butter.
  • In a food processor, combine the butter, chipotle, garlic, onion, and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Process until completely mixed.
  • Spread the butter in a cylinder about 1-inch in diameter along the long side of a sheet of parchment paper or waxed paper, leaving a 1-inch border.
  • Roll up the butter in the paper to make a log.
  • Refrigerate at least 1 hour.
  • Yield: 8 servings