Dungeness Crab

Do you ever have those weeks that turn into months and then you wonder where your time has gone? I feel that I was in a work coma for the last few months and I suddenly found myself at home tonight missing my food blog and wondering why I haven't posted in so long?
I immediately fired up the laptop and scanned through my pictures knowing that I had TONS of exciting dishes that I hadn't written up recipes for yet, and what do you know? I had one...the lonely little Dungeness crab you see above!
I have been cooking, just neglecting my camera in lieu of eating as soon as the food was ready not worrying about my presentation or writing down my ingredients as I go. Oh well, at least I'm back and excited about food again! I have a couple of good friends coming over for dinner tomorrow, a perfect excuse to try some new recipes and warm up the camera again. I also re-painted my kitchen, and put in a tile back splash today, so I have nothing to hold me back! Ok, now for the crab...I picked some up when I was at the coast last. They are so easy to prepare, and so delicious. I also get a sick kick out of cracking the shell with the mallet, its a very stress releaving dinner!

Dungeness Crab & Sorts

Dungeness Crab
White or Red Potatoes
Corn
Cheap Beer
Old Bay Seasoning
Butter
Lemon Juice

In a large pot, place a steam basket in the bottom and pour in 1 inch of beer. Turn heat on high and bring to a boil. Next add the potatoes and corn, sprinkle generously with the Old Bay, cover turn the heat down to medium and steam until potatoes are almost soft. Next add the crab, continue steaming to heat crab through, about 5-10 minutes or so. Plate everything and sprinkle with Old Bay, and a bit of course salt. I like to dip my crab in melted butter mixed with a bit of fresh lemon juice, but you can do as you like. Enjoy!

Wendy's Crab Cakes

My room-mate Wendy made these for Christmas breakfast and they were absolutely amazing. I love that the main feature in these was crab, not mayo and tons of other fillers. They are very indulgent and definitely worth the cost of the crab. You have to try this recipe, you will fall in love.

Wendy's Crab Cakes

2 Teaspoons Butter
½ Red and Yellow Bell Pepper, Chopped
2 Scallions, chopped
1 Pound Crab Meat, ½ pound jumbo lump & ½ pound black fin or claw meat
3 Dashes Tobasco Sauce (or asian harissa sauce)
¼ Teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
2 Eggs, lightly beaten
¼ Cup Japanese Panko Crumbs, plus more for coating
Olive Oil for frying

Sauté peppers and scallions with butter until soft, set aside to cool. In mixing bowl combine all ingredients, and mix until combined. Form into 3 inch patties and coat with panko crumbs. Heat a couple of tablespoons olive oil in pan over medium heat and sauté crab cakes until well browned and heated through, about 5 minutes per side. Serve with Tabasco or cocktail sauce.