Preparing a lobster

There are several schools of thought on the most humane method of despatching lobsters. My preference is to drop them into a pot of boiling water (an instant exit for them) and then simmer for 9 to 10 minutes per 1 kg (2 lb 4 oz) of lobster.

To dismantle the cooked lobster you need a pair of kitchen scissors, a pair of rubber gloves and a small bowl to catch the juice and coral. First break the tail from the body. Scoop out the coral from the main body shell (this is a powerful dye, so wear the gloves and scrub the work surface well afterwards).