Lobster and Corn Soup

Serves 4

What better way to kick-off a new year (especially after 2020) than with a rich soup. I've made lobster bisque before starting from whole lobsters, and that was an extremely involved process that was probably worth it. This soup is a lot simpler and very tasty, with plenty of lobster flavor and meat. I like it with crusty ciabatta bread for dipping.

• 2 small (4 oz) cold water lobster tails, uncooked
• 2 1/2 c water
• 2 tsp Better than Bouillon lobster base
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 sweet onion, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/8 tsp black pepper, ground
• pinch cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme, rubbed
• 1 1/2 tbsp flour
• 8 oz frozen corn, thawed
• 1/2 c heavy cream
• salt and black pepper to taste
• chopped chives for garnish (optional)