Four Seasons Crab Cakes

FOUR SEASONS CRAB CAKES

2 lb. jumbo lump crabmeat
1/2 lb. fresh codfish fillet
1/2 to 1 cup heavy cream
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 tsp. sesame oil
2 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley
2 Tbsp. finely chopped chives
2 Tbsp. basil, julienned
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Olive oil for sauteing

Pick through crabmeat, removing all shells but being careful not to break up the large lumps too much. In a food processor, grind codfish until pureed. Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream and puree until incorporated. Then add more cream if needed. The mixture should be smooth and shiny, yet firm enough to hold its shape. Place this mousse in a metal bowl and add the other ingredients, except for the olive oil. Take a small portion of the crab-cake mixture and saute in hot olive oil until golden brown. Taste to adjust seasoning. Form the rest of the crab cakes and saute in hot olive oil until golden on both sides. Finish by baking in a 450̊ oven for 4 to 5 minutes. Serves six to eight.