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For the Light Fumet (Fish Stock):
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1. Make the white mirepoix by mincing all vegetables. At a minimum, use onion, celery and leek. Parsnip and mushrooms are optional.
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2. Combine sachet d'espices ingredients in cheese cloth, wrap and tie with kitchen twine for easy retrieval later.
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3. Combine Fishbones, white mirepoix, and water in pot dangling the sachet d'epices.
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4. Bring mixture to a simmer (DO NOT BOIL).
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5. Skim the surface to remove floaties & scum.
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6. Simmer for 45 to 50 minutes adding water as necessary so you end up with a gallon of stock.
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7. Strain stock using a chinoise or cheese cloth.
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For the Veloute:
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1. Build a blonde roux using the melted butter and flour, cooking on med-low heat for 5 minutes, until it becomes straw colored.
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2. Whisk or stir in half the fish stock making sure the paste has dissolved and a liquid has formed without any lumps. Stir in remaining stock.
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3. Simmer until thickened. About 25 minutes.
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For the Soup:
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1. Wrap crab shells in a tea towel and beat them with a hammer to break them into small pieces.
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2. Saute the crab shells with the butter and onions.
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3. Add garlic, paprika and tomato paste and cook for a few minutes -- don't burn the tomato paste!
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4. Add brandy and deglaze. let brandy reduce to au sec (almost dry).
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5. Add the veloute and simmer for 45 minutes. strain the bisque through a chinoise or cheese cloth.
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6. Return the bisque to a simmer and add the already heated cream.
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7. Adjust the seasoning with the S/P, old bay, tabasco and Worcestershire ( taste as you go on this step).
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8. Add the crab meat and sherry immediately prior to serving.
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9. If you want to impress your friends you can also make a Pernod Chantilly to float on top of your finished soup -- looks cool and tastes great --.
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For the Pernod Chantilly:
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1. Whip the cream to slight peaks and slowly add Pernod (or other anise flavored liquor such as Ouzo) and whip it in bowl with beaters until it peaks, float on top of soup and torch lightly.
