Hancock Gourmet Lobster Co. - Orr's Island Oyster Stew

This year’s winner in the outstanding soup, stew, bean or chili category is a departure from Hancock Gourmet Lobster Company’s traditional lobster-based products.

“We thought it important to use additional shellfish—not just lobster,” says Cal Hancock, Hancock Gourmet‘s founder. “We were going to do something with clams, but we had made a gumbo with oysters and thought maybe an oyster stew—a specialty dish during the holiday season—would be good.”

Hancock says soups, stews and chowders are always a hit in Maine, any time of year. Using oysters from the East Coast, Hancock and her executive chef set out to make a delicious stew. “You have to be careful with oysters, that you don’t overcook them because they’ll get rubbery,” she notes. As for the stew, named for an island near Hancock’s hometown, “we wanted it to not be too spicy but spicy enough.”

With satisfied customers and another sofi, it looks like Hancock got the recipe just right, using plump whole oysters, cream, milk, celery, onion and subtle spices. “This stew is rich and delicious,” Hancock says. “It doesn’t need much to make a meal and every ingredient just complements the oysters.”—Deborah Moss

How to Enjoy It: Hancock recommends serving the stew with warm, crusty bread or oyster crackers as a starter or main course.

MSRP: $31.95/quart

Website: hancockgourmetlobster.com

See the related articles below to view the other finalists in this category

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