Elegant Seafood Bisque

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup finely minced shallot
• 1/2 lb butter
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 quart water
• 1 tablespoon chicken base
• 1 (14 ounce) can baby clams, with juice
• 1/2 lb uncooked shrimp, cleaned, shelled, deveined
• 1/3 lb cod, boneless, leave in one piece
• 1/3 lb salmon, skinless, boneless, leave in one piece
• 2/3 lb cooked crabmeat, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1/2 cup dry sherry
• salt and pepper