Maine Lobster Croque Monsieur

It’s difficult picturing a summer lunch in Maine without lobster. Maybe it’s a fork full of lobster mac and cheese, or a grilled hotdog bun filled to the brim with lobster meat and a hint of herbed mayonnaise. Perhaps it’s a simple steamed lobster and butter with a cracker and a pick. There are so many delicious ways to eat this Maine staple. A lobster croque monsieur works really well for lunch or dinner.

1 lobster (1 to 1½ pounds)

6 ounces Gruyère cheese

8 slices good quality white bread (crusts removed)

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1 tablespoon chopped chives

8 tablespoons (1 stick) Kate’s Butter, softened

Kosher or sea salt and ground black pepper to taste

Cook and cool the lobster, remove the meat, chop into ¼-inch chunks, and place in fridge until assembling croque monsieurs. Slice the Gruyère thinly with a peeler or mandolin. Lay out 4 slices of bread, place a layer of Gruyère on bread, a layer of lobster, lemon zest and chives, another layer of Gruyère, and finish with the remaining 4 slices of bread.

Preheat a nonstick pan on medium heat. Spread softened Kate's Butter onto outsides of sandwiches and place in preheated pan. Cook for 2–4 minutes, flip and cook for 1–2 minutes; remove from heat. The bread should be lightly golden brown but not dark. Slice sandwiches into diagonal pieces and serve as is, or top with a poached or fried egg to make a croque madame.

From Issue

No. 05 / Summer 2018