The port cities of Normandy-Caen among them-offer almost endless choices for fall menu planning. For this satisfying stew, the natural bounty of Normandy's waters, the rich cream of its pasturelands and its distinctive apple-based brandy called Calvados are combined with savory root vegetables from the local harvest. Start out with your favorite pâté and some cornichons, and serve a crusty baguette with the stew. Pour a white Burgundy or hard cider.

　　

Ingredients

Serves 4

　　2 1/2 cups bottled clam juice

　　1 1/2 cups dry white wine

　　12 littleneck clams, scrubbed

　　12 mussels, scrubbed, debearded

　　3/4 pound uncooked large shrimp, peeled, deveined, shells reserved

　　1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter

　　1 cup finely chopped leek (white and pale green parts only)

　　1 medium potato, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

　　1 cup chopped peeled celery root

　　1/3 cup Calvados

　　3/4 pound bay scallops

　　1/2 cup crème fraîche

　　3 large egg yolks

　　2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

　　1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

　　

Step 1

Bring clam juice and wine to simmer in heavy large pot. Add clams, then mussels to pot. Cover; cook until shellfish begin to open, about 2 minutes for mussels and about 8 minutes for clams. Using slotted spoon, transfer shellfish to large bowl as they open. Discard any that do not open after 12 minutes. Reserve liquid in pot.

　　

Step 2

Add shrimp shells to cooking liquid. Cover and simmer over low heat 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain liquid into 4-cup glass measuring cup. Discard solids.

　　

Step 3

Melt butter in clean large pot over low heat. Add leek. Cover; cook until leek is tender, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Add potato and celery root. Pour in reserved cooking liquid, leaving any sediment in measuring cup. Add Calvados. Bring to simmer. Cover and simmer until potato is almost tender, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Stir in shrimp and scallops. Cover; simmer 2 minutes.

　　

Step 4

Whisk crème fraîche, egg yolks and lemon juice in small bowl to blend. Stir into stew. Return clams and mussels to pot. Cover and cook without boiling until shrimp and scallops are just cooked through, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Divide among bowls. Sprinkle parsley over.