Seafood Stew

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Place ½ cup wine in a 3-quart saucepan, and bring to a boil. Add the mussels, cover and cook over medium heat until the mussels open, about 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the mussels to a bowl. Strain the cooking liquid through a very fine strainer into a 2-cup measure. Add enough water to make 1½ cups, and set aside.

2. Step 2

   Rinse any grit out of the saucepan. Place it over medium heat to dry it; then, add the butter. Add the onion, fennel and shallots, and saute, stirring from time to time, until they are tender but not brown.

3. Step 3

   Add the remaining wine, and cook over high heat until nearly all the wine evaporates. Add the mussel liquid. Bring to a boil, and add the shrimp. Cover, and cook about 5 minutes, until the shrimp are not quite completely pink. Stir in the scallops, cover and cook about 3 minutes. Add the mussels in their shells, cover and cook 2 minutes longer, until the mussels are reheated and the other seafood is cooked.

4. Step 4

   Using a slotted spoon, transfer the seafood, onions and fennel to a large, warmed, shallow serving bowl. Cover the bowl.

5. Step 5

   Bring the contents of the saucepan to a boil, add the sherry and cream and cook briskly for 5 minutes or so, until the liquid has reduced and thickened somewhat. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and add the lemon juice. Swirl in a little additional butter if desired. Pour the sauce over the seafood, sprinkle with chives and serve.