Crab is a highly labor intensive food that many people in the ancient days had never even heard of. However coastal dwellers did farm crab in certain areas. Crab was known of by the ancient Romans and Greeks but it was not a popular food with those people. They used small amounts of the meat in cakes, soups, stews and sauces. Crab is a regional favorite of the people of Maryland USA. During the spring they steam live crab in a hot spicy vinegar. A real treat to those who have developed the taste for the dish. Another relatively unknown dish involving crab is fried soft shell crab. Fish restaurants on the coast will take live crab that has just shed its shell, bread and fry them whole and serve with coleslaw and hushpuppies. Some restaurants will even sell you a soft shell crab sandwich with the legs and claws sticking out of the bun when it arrives at your table. Soft shell crab is rarely found inland away from the coast due to the fact that the shell hardens quickly and must be prepared the same day it has been caught to be of the highest quality. Soft shell crab is quite rare even on the coastline at crab gathering areas.
Making a really good crab dip at home is a simple and easy task. It will be very easy for you to create your own family tradition from the basic example listed below. If this dip does not appeal to you perhaps you would enjoy my recipe for Really Good Broccoli dip which can be found at the following link.
www.associatedcontent.com/article/761283/how_to_make_a_really_good_broccoli.html
Ingredients:
3/4ths pound of premium cooked crab meat. I always try and use a no name store brand of crab meat because it is cheaper and of the same quality as brand names. Never pay for a name when you can be paying for more food when making a really good crab dip.
12 ounce package of cream cheese. I always use plain cream cheese so I can blend other flavors as I wish when making a really good crab dip.
3 tablespoon of sour cream or plain yogurt.
1 tablespoon of prepared horseradish
1 tablespoon of mustard, coarse ground if you can get it.
1 tablespoon of mayonnaise.
1/2 tablespoon hot sauce. You can use any brand you like. Each has a different flavor and I’m sure you have a favorite.
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder, parsley, minced onion.
1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
Directions:
Flake your crab and put in a blender. Add the cream cheese and mix for a couple seconds for your really good crab dip. Then add your sour cream or plain yogurt and mayonnaise, hot sauce, horseradish, mustard, spices, and lemon juice and mix thoroughly. Scoop out of the mixer and place in the bowl you intend to serve your really good crab dip. Chill for at least 4 hours.
Really good crab dip is best served with crackers or thick chips or veggie strips while chilled. You may want to put your serving bowl in a bed of ice chips to keep it cool during your event. It makes a excellent party dip or luncheon appetizer.
