Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
1. In a large pot, melt the **butter** over medium heat. Once melted, add the **onion**, **garlic**, **carrot**, and **celery**. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and the onion becomes translucent.

#### Step 2: Make the Roux
2. Add the **flour** to the vegetables and stir continuously to form a roux (a thickening mixture of fat and flour). Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the flour to absorb the butter and form a paste. This will help thicken the bisque later.

#### Step 3: Add the Liquids and Seasonings
3. Slowly add the **seafood stock** (or chicken broth) to the roux while whisking to prevent lumps. Once combined, add the **heavy cream** and **white wine** (if using). Stir in the **Old Bay seasoning**, **smoked paprika**, **cayenne pepper**, **salt**, and **black pepper**. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken.

#### Step 4: Add the Seafood
4. Stir in the **shrimp** and **crab meat**, cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and the crab meat is heated through. Be careful not to overcook the seafood, as it can become tough.

#### Step 5: Blend the Bisque (Optional)
5. For a smoother, more refined texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot, or transfer part of the soup to a blender and pulse until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier bisque, you can skip this step or blend only part of the soup to maintain some texture.

#### Step 6: Finish the Bisque
6. Stir in the **brandy** or **sherry** (if using) for an extra layer of richness and flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or Old Bay seasoning as needed.

#### Step 7: Serve
7. Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped **parsley**. Serve with crusty bread or a light salad to complete the meal.

### Tips for the Best Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque:

– **Use Fresh Seafood**: For the best flavor, use fresh or high-quality frozen crab and shrimp. If using frozen, be sure to thaw them properly before adding to the soup.
– **Adjust the Consistency**: If you like a thicker bisque, let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more seafood stock or a little more cream to reach your desired texture.
– **Customizable Spice Level**: The optional cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick, but you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preferences. Feel free to omit it if you prefer a milder flavor.
– **For Extra Creaminess**: If you prefer an extra rich bisque, you can add a little more heavy cream or even a splash of half-and-half.
– **Brandy or Sherry**: While optional, adding brandy or sherry is a traditional way to elevate the bisque with a slightly sweet, aromatic depth that enhances the seafood flavors.

### Why This Creamy Crab and Shrimp Bisque Will Become Your Favorite

This **Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque** brings all the flavors of the sea together in a velvety, luxurious soup that feels both elegant and comforting. The combination of sweet crab meat, succulent shrimp, and creamy broth makes each spoonful a true delight. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that can easily be adjusted to your taste—whether you like it extra creamy, extra spicy, or extra seafood-heavy.

Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this bisque is guaranteed to impress anyone you serve it to. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for enjoying with friends or family. And with this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

So, the next time you’re craving something indulgent, make a batch of **Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque**. It’s the ultimate comfort food for seafood lovers, and once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more!

### Enjoy!