Easy as A, B, Seafood Bisque

Heavy lake effect snows have been confined to southwest Oswego County. The heaviest snow (where it was falling at 2 to 4” per hour) was in a band from the city of Oswego to near Central Square. Parts of Oswego County have already seen 3 to 4 feet since yesterday.

Albeit of the lake effect snow, Perrine Street has felt the effects of the wind chill. Again this morning the temperate was in single digits.

The weather has prompted Joan to prepare one of our favorite soups for lunch, Easy as A, B, Seafood Bisque.

Easy as A, B, Seafood Bisque

A big bowl of this soup is so good on chilly days.

6-oz. can crabmeat, drained
10-oz. pkg. imitation lobster, flaked
6-oz. can tiny shrimp, drained
1/2 c. butter plus 3 T. butter
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
14-oz. can chicken broth
Optional: 1/2 c. white wine
1 T. tomato paste
3 c. half-and-half
1/2 c. flour
salt and pepper to taste
Garnish: fresh chives, chopped

Combine crabmeat, lobster and shrimp in a bowl; set aside. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large Dutch oven and sauté onion, carrot and celery for about 3 minutes. Add chicken broth, seafood and wine, if using. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer. Stir in tomato paste and half-and-half. Melt remaining butter and blend with flour in a small bowl: stir into soup. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 40 minutes.

Garnish with chives.

Serves 4 to 6.