Odd Mixings

Northern Neck Crab Masacre

This is my favorite way to cook Blue Crabs.  Cook a whole lot (I’d go for a bushel of fresh #1 greens), invite friends. Prepare to be very messy and even happier.

In the bottom of a steamer mix:

3 cups water
2 cans of cheap bear (save the good stuff for drinking if you like)
¼ cup of Old Bay seasoning
¼ cup of coarse salt

Put the top of the steamer and the lid on and bring to a boil.  Put a layer of crabs in the steamer, cover with more salt and Old Bay.  Repeat layering until the steamer is full. Replace the lid.

Steam them about 20 minutes. The shells should be an opaque looking red and the claws should move easily.  Use tongs to remove them to a pan and refill the steamer. Dump the cooked crabs on the table and dig in. Serve with bowls of malt vinegar, Old Bay, and melted butter for dipping.

Tips:
Have a couple of pairs of pliers for cracking shells.
Have a good sturdy knife for each diner.  I like a butter knife.
Cover the table with brown paper or lots of newspaper.
Don’t bother with plates.
When done fold the whole mess up and throw it away.
Invite someone who has shucked crab before.
Expect to eat for a long time.
Enjoy the company.
And be careful of the claws when putting them in.

Happy shucking!

posted by Odd Mix @ 10:44 PM