RECIPE FOR: ABALONE CHOWDER

Ingredients: 500g fresh abalone, ground or chopped very finely 1/4 cup butter mixed with 2 Tablespoons oil 1/2 cup leeks, thinly sliced 1/2 cup onions, chopped 1/2 cup green peppers, chopped 1/4 cup celery, chopped 1/2 pint fish stock 2 cups diced potatoes Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce: 1/4 cup butter 1/2 cup flour salt to taste Pinch of nutmeg Pinch of cayenne pepper 250ml milk 250ml cream 1/4 cup Sherry

Method:
In a large saucepan, put the oil and butter mix. When mixture is hot, add all of the vegetables and saute them until they are lightly brown. Add the chopped abalone and the fish stock, and then bring to the boil. Add the diced potatoes and let the chowder simmer while you prepare the following cream sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter. Add the flour, then blend it in thoroughly. Add salt to taste, a pinch of nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. Let simmer for 2 minutes. Mix the cream and milk together, add to the flour mixture and heat gently, mixing constantly. When smooth, add Sherry. Add this cream sauce to the above simmering chowder. Bring to a quick boil, stirring well. Serve with chunks of  French Bread.