2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 (12-ounce) lobster, meat removed and cut into medallions, shell reserved
1 bay leaf
Pinch dried thyme
1 tablespoon paprika
1/4 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried chili powder
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (recommended: Tabasco)
Salt
1/2-ounce brandy