Soup, Stew, Bean or Chili 2008

Outstanding Soup, Stew, Bean or Chili 2008: Hancock Gourmet Lobster Co. Spruce Head Smoked Scallop Lobster Bisque

Cal Hancock, the founder of Hancock Gourmet Lobster Co. of Harpswell, Maine, grew up working at her grandmother’s lobster restaurant in nearby Ogunquit. “As a kid,” explains Hancock, “I loved being able to help people from ‘away’ eat lobster well.”

After spending 30 years in the health care industry in Ohio and Minnesota, she returned to that early passion, lobster, and launched Hancock Gourmet Lobster Co. in 2001. “Most of the recipes we started with were family recipes,” notes Hancock, “or inspired by family.” (Hancock Gourmet Lobster Co. won two sofi™ Gold awards this year. Turn to page 23 to read about Outstanding Pasta, Rice or Grain winner, Port Clyde Lobster Mac & Cheese.)

The Spruce Head Smoked Scallop Lobster Bisque is made with Maine lobster meat, smoked bay scallops, heavy cream, real butter and a few spices. The scallops come from Ducktrap River Fish Farms in Belfast, Maine, and the dairy from Oakhurst Dairy, Portland, Maine, where milk is sourced from farmers who don’t use artificial growth hormones. “The Maine lobster industry is eco-friendly with enforced rules and methods for catching lobster,” explains Hancock. “This is important to our company and our customers.”

The bisque, named after Spruce Head Island in western Penobscot Bay, is “great served as an appetizer in demitasse cups,” notes Hancock, “or as an entrée with crusty bread or crackers.” Suggested retail price: $25-28/quart; hancockgourmetlobster.com.—Susan Segrest

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