INGREDIENTS
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a 3-pound live lobster
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1 medium onion
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1 celery rib
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1 carrot
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1 vine-ripened tomato
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1 head garlic
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon leaves
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
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1 bay leaf
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8 black peppercorns
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1/2 cup brandy
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1/2 cup dry Sherry
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4 cups fish stock*
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1/4 cup tomato paste
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
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2 tablespoons water
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*available at fish markets and some specialty foods shops