Nancy Linehan's Seafood Chowder

Preparation

1. Step 1

   In a large pot, bring 6 quarts of water to a boil over high heat. Place lobsters headfirst into the pot, cover and cook for 10 minutes. Drain. When lobsters are cool enough to handle, crack their shells and remove the meat, along with 2 tablespoons of the green tomalley, found where the tail separates from the body, and if there is any, 1 tablespoon of the pink roe, found in the same place. Cut the meat into ½-inch pieces and set aside. Discard the shells.

2. Step 2

   Place the bay leaves, onions, potatoes and salt into a large heavy-bottomed pot. Add all the clam juice and enough water to just cover the vegetables. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, cover and cook until the potatoes are still firm but can be pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes.

3. Step 3

   Add the lobster meat, tomalley, roe, clams, haddock and scallops to the pot and stir to combine. Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 25 minutes.

4. Step 4

   Add the milk and cream and continue to simmer, uncovered, for 25 minutes. Season to taste with salt and white pepper. Remove the bay leaves and serve, with oyster crackers if desired.