Lobster Gratiné

Combine the vermouth, water, onion, carrot, celery, parsley, bay leaf, tarragon, two teaspoons salt and the peppercorns in a fish kettle or steamer. Simmer for fifteen minutes.

If possible, tie the lobsters to a rack so they will stay flat during cooking. Add the lobsters to the rapidly boiling liquid. Otherwise, the lobsters may be dropped into the bo