Lobster BLTs

• Using kitchen shears, cut through thin shell along underside of each lobster tail*, leaving meat intact and stopping at fanned end. Press down gently on each side of shell to crack; remove meat and discard shell. Cut lobster tail in half lengthwise. (TIP: Lobster may have a large vein running down the center of the tail; remove if necessary.) Roughly chop lobster meat into ½-inch pieces. Set aside; wash cutting board.

• Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add bacon* and cook, turning occasionally, until crisp, 6-10 minutes. TIP: Lower heat if bacon begins to brown too quickly. • Transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate. Carefully discard all but 1 TBSP bacon fat from pan; set pan aside. • Once cool enough to handle, roughly chop ¼ of the bacon. Set aside remaining bacon (you’ll use it in step 7).

• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine mayonnaise and half the mustard (all for 4 servings). Add lemon zest to taste, garlic to taste, and paprika to taste. (Start with a pinch of each, then taste and add more zest, garlic, or paprika from there if desired; save some garlic for step 6.) Season with salt, pepper, and ¼ tsp sugar (½ tsp for 4).

• Heat pan with reserved bacon fat over medium-low heat. Add lobster; cook until slightly opaque, 3-4 minutes. • Stir in 1 TBSP butter (2 TBSP for 4 servings) until melted. Continue to cook lobster, spooning melted butter over meat, until opaque and cooked through, 1 minute more. • Remove pan from heat and add a squeeze of lemon juice to taste. Season with salt and pepper. • Let lobster cool slightly, 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer lobster to bowl with sauce; toss to coat. Wipe out pan.

• In a second large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, diced tomato, croutons, chopped bacon, and sliced shallot to taste. Season with salt and pepper. Toss with Caesar dressing to taste. • Melt 1 TBSP butter (2 TBSP for 4 servings) in pan used for lobster over medium-high heat. Add remaining garlic, then add buns cut sides down. Toast until buns are golden, 1-2 minutes. TIP: Lower heat if buns begin to brown too quickly. • Remove buns from pan. Season cut sides with salt and pepper.