Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   6      tablespoons   unsalted butter
     1/2  cup           unbleached all-purpose flour
   1      cup           clam broth
     3/4  cup           dry sherry
   1      cup           light cream or milk
   1      tablespoon    lemon juice
   3      tablespoons   freshly grated ginger
   3      large         garlic cloves -- peeled and crushed
   2      tablespoons   curry powder -- (hot or mild)
     1/8  teaspoon      ground red pepper
                        salt to taste
                        freshly ground black pepper
     1/2  cup           chopped flat-leaf parsley
     1/2                meat from a 1 1/4 lb lobster*
   1 1/2  pounds        large shrimp -- peeled and deveined
     3/4  pound         young carrots; scraped -- trimmed, cut into
   1      2 in lengths  -- blanched
                        for 2 minutes
   4      ounces        shiitake mushrooms -- stems removed
                        and cut into thick slices
   1      cup           slivered almonds -- toasted
  10      ounces        frozen "petite" peas -- defrosted
  16      ounces        frozen pearl onions -- defrosted
   1      pound         all-butter puff pastry -- defrosted in the
                        refrigerator if frozen
   1                    egg -- mixed with
   1      tablespoon    water -- for egg wash

Preparation:

* steamed or boiled 5 minutes to loosen then removed and chopped PREHEAT OVEN TO 425F Invert a 3-quart oval or rectangular casserole, preferably earthenware or porcelain, onto a piece of parchment or waxed paper. Trace the shape, adding a 1-inch border all around, then cut it out. In a large heavy skillet, heat the butter over medium high heat until it foams. Whisk in the flour, adjust the heat to medium low, and continue cooking until the flour is light-cream colored, about 2 minutes. Stir in the clam broth, sherry, cream and lemon juice. Adjust the heat to medium high, and slowly bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook 30 seconds longer. It will be quite thick. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the ginger, garlic, curry powder, red pepper, salt and black pepper. Let the mixture cook slightly, then fold in the parsley, lobster, shrimp, carrots, mushrooms, almonds, peas and onions. Scrape the filling into the casserole. On a slightly floured work space, roll the puff pastry to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Cut it out, using the paper template. In the center of the pastry, cut out an air hole about 1/2 inch in diameter. Place the pastry over the casserole, pressing it down on the sides to seal. Cut the remaining pastry into strips or shapes and decorate the top of the pot pie. (This dish may be prepared ahead to this point, covered and refrigerated up to 1 day.) Brush the top with the egg wash. To help prevent the liquid from boiling over onto the crust, make a steam vent by rolling a 3-inch strip of heavy aluminum foil width-wise around a wooden spoon handle. Insert it gently into the hole. Remove spoon, leaving foil in place. Place the casserole on a cookie sheet and transfer it to the middle of the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 375F and continue baking for 20-to-25 minutes longer, or until the pastry is puffed and rich golden brown. Remove the pan, let it rest with the vent inside for 15-to-20 minutes to keep the crust from becoming soggy. JOANNA PRUESS - PRODIGY GUEST CHEFS COOKBOOK