There are many ways to cook and serve a fresh Maine Lobster. The traditional way that most people eat lobster is to steam (click able to say) Put about 2 inches of seawater or salted fresh water in the bottom of a large kettle. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Put in the live lobsters, one at a time, grasping just behind the claws. Let the water boil again and begin timing. Allow 18 minutes for a 1- to 11/4-pound hard-shell lobster and 20 minutes for a 11/2-pound hard-shell lobster. If the lobster has a soft shell, reduce the cooking time by 3 minutes. or

Boil (click able to say) Place lobster in a large lidded pot. Fill a large kettle three-quarters full of seawater. If seawater is not available, add 2 tablespoons of salt for each quart of water. A good rule of thumb is to allow 21/2 quarts of water for each lobster. Bring the water to a boil. Put in the live lobsters one at a time and let the water boil again.

Lower the heat, cover the kettle, and simmer about 15 minutes for 1-to 11/4-pound hard-shell lobsters and 20 minutes for 11/2- to 2-pound hard-shell lobsters. Soft-shell lobsters take a little less time, so reduce the cooking time by 3 minutes. When the lobster is bright red and antennae pull out easily, the lobsters are done. Serve whole lobster, either hot or cold. For the ultimate taste, serve with a side dish of melted butter.