New England Lobster Chowder – Moveable Feast

Ingredients

• Kosher salt
• 5 (1-1/4 lb. each) live lobsters
• 4 oz. (8 Tbs.) butter
• 1/2 cup finely chopped shallots
• 2 cups diced fennel bulb
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh thyme
• 2 lb. red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup Madeira wine
• 2 cups half-and-half
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Snipped fresh chives for garnish