Fulton Fish Market Chowder

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1/2 cup olive oil

2 large onions, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)

2 leeks, white and light green parts only, split, well washed and diced (about 2 1/2 cups)

2 stalks celery, diced (about 1/2 cup)

1/4 cup finely chopped garlic

1 cup canned plum tomatoes, drained, seeded, and diced

1 teaspoon saffron threads

2 bay leaves

1 tablespoon dried thyme

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup dry white wine

2 quarts fish stock

2 Idaho potatoes, peeled and diced (about 1 pound)

1 small lobster, raw and in the shell, cut into pieces

1 pound assorted fish fillets such as snapper, halibut, tilefish, cod,skinned and boned, cut into chunks

1/2 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined

Peppery Croutons:

French baguette, sliced 1/4inch thick (about 3 to 4 slices per person)

1/4 cup olive oil

1 to 2 teaspoons cracked black peppercorns