Shrimp Bisque with Sherry

Methods/Steps

1. Make the bisque base: Add the butter and 5 tablespoons of the vegetable oil to a stockpot over medium-high heat. When the butter has melted and the oil/butter mixture is hot, add the shells from shrimp and the celery, carrots, and onion.  Cook, stirring, about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and slightly browned. Add the garlic and cook a minute more.

2. Stir in the tomatoes and cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes. Add the flour and cayenne and cook, stirring occasionally, 4-6 minutes. Pour in the wine, stirring to loosen browned bits on bottom of stockpot. Reduce the heat to medium, add the diluted Glace de Fruits de Mer Gold® and bring the base to a simmer. Continue simmering, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes.

3. Remove the base from the heat. Purée it with a hand-held blender (or in batches in a countertop blender) until smooth. Set the bisque base aside.

4. Warm the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil in second stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook, stirring, about 3 minutes, until they change color and curl slightly. Reserve 6-8 shrimp to use as a garnish.

5. Strain the bisque base into the second stockpot, using an extra-fine mesh strainer to remove all solids, including shell remnants. Discard the solids and keep the first stockpot to use in step 6. Stir to combine the shrimp and the bisque base and set the mixture aside.

6. Mix the heavy cream and sherry in the first stockpot. Add shrimp/bisque base mixture and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 2-3 minutes, until heated through. Season to taste with salt.

7. Serve the bisque in warmed bowls, garnished with a whole shrimp and a sprinkling of parsley.