Crab Cakes

2 pounds jumbo lump crabmeat
1/2 pound fresh codfish fillet
1/2 to 1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
2 tablespoons 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 450−degree oven for 4 to 5 minutes.
Serves six to eight.