Hapworth on How to Boil Lobster

under $5 a pound. My sister and I planned two lobster and steammed clam feasts. We each had two lobsters a piece and two pounds of steamed clams. It took us most of the afternoon to complete the meal, but did we enjoy ourselves.

Now, as a Mainer, I know something about how to boil lobster. Yes, it is true that you don't want to overcook the lobster. Yes, it is true that you want to put the lobster in headfirst.

However, for those of you who think this is cruelty to animals or crustaceans, here's a few facts. The lobster has a simple nervous system, so it cannot feel pain. Its nervous system is similar to an insect. If you still feel it is cruel to cook the lobster live, put it in the freezer for ten minutes before cooking.

When your lobster is cooked, remove it from the pot and serve with melted butter. For something different, try adding vinegar to the butter or for a little snap, try adding a few drops of Tabasco sauce.

If the lobster is soft shelled, you can easily break the tail and claws with your hands. Use a twisting motion to remove the tail. Take off the fins and you can push the meat through with your fingers or the tines of a fork. You may have to crack the claws with nutcrackers.

Hard-shelled lobsters are more difficult to get into. I use the nutcrackers and a pair of lobster shears. Kitchen shears work, as well. Just cut lengthwise down the tail and you can remove the meat in one piece.

Don't forget the legs. There is some sweet meat in the legs. Just suck it out. The knuckles are also tasty.

Now, which is better, the soft-shelled or the hard-shelled? It is a matter of preference. The hard-shelled lobster has more meat because it hasn't shed the shell yet. The soft shell lobster is easier to open. Some say the soft shell has sweeter meat. I like both and it really doesn't matter to me.

Where is the best place to buy lobster? If you're in Maine, try to buy your lobster at a fish market. You will pay more at the grocery store and of course, you will pay more in a restaurant. If you're not sure how to cook the lobster, just ask the vendor. They are always willing to give advice.

Need to ship lobster? Go to a fish market and they will put up the lobster for you and guarantee that it will stay fresh for 24 hours. They pack the lobsters, so you can take them right on the plane. Put the packs right through with your other luggage and don't forget to put your name on the boxes.

If you can't get to Maine, you can get Maine lobster in many states. But be prepared to pay dearly. In the South, lobster runs about $25 a pound. Almost worth a trip to Maine, isn't it?