Maryland Is For Crabs!
Cook Time: 25 minutes | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Description:
Indulge in the essence of Maryland with this delightful recipe that celebrates the region’s love affair with crabs. Creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, Maryland Is For Crabs! is a dish that captures the heart and soul of Chesapeake Bay cuisine. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, preparing a quick lunch, or simply craving a savory snack, this recipe is your ticket to culinary bliss.
Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
Keywords: Crab, Grains, Cheese, Fruit, Canadian, Kid Friendly, Potluck, < 30 Mins, Oven, Stove Top, Easy
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 552.3
- Fat Content: 34.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 20.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 144.1mg
- Sodium Content: 1523.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 31g
- Fiber Content: 1.2g
- Sugar Content: 1.3g
- Protein Content: 29g
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces unsalted butter
- 1 cup plain flour
- 6 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mace
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups lump crab meat
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges
Recipe Instructions:
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Prepare the Sauce: Start by melting 1 ounce of butter in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat.
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Create the Roux: Stir in the plain flour, ensuring it’s thoroughly combined with the melted butter. Continue stirring until the mixture forms a smooth paste, known as a roux.
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Add the Milk: Slowly pour in the milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Allow the mixture to gently boil until it thickens, creating a velvety smooth sauce.
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Season to Perfection: Once the sauce reaches the desired consistency, season it with ground mace, salt, and pepper, infusing it with layers of flavor.
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Incorporate the Crab: Carefully fold in the lump crab meat, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Finish with Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, enriching the sauce with a luxurious creaminess. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
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Assemble for Baking: Depending on whether you’re serving this dish as an appetizer or main course, divide the mixture into buttered ovenproof ramekins. For appetizer portions, use 4 small (2½-inch) ramekins; for main course servings, opt for 2 larger 4-inch ramekins.
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Prepare Ahead (Optional): If you’re preparing the dish ahead of time, the assembled ramekins can be refrigerated for several hours before baking.
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Bake to Perfection: Prior to baking, dot the top of each ramekin with the remaining butter. Place the ramekins in a baking tray filled with ½-inch deep water to create a gentle steam bath. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for approximately 10 minutes, or until the tops are crisp and golden brown, and the crab filling is thick and creamy.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, if desired. Accompany with lemon wedges on the side to add a burst of citrus freshness to each bite.
Conclusion:
With its decadent blend of lump crab meat, creamy sauce, and aromatic spices, Maryland Is For Crabs! is a culinary masterpiece that embodies the spirit of Chesapeake Bay cuisine. Whether enjoyed as a comforting snack or showcased as the star of your next gathering, this recipe promises to delight taste buds and evoke fond memories of coastal charm. Serve it up with pride, and let each savory bite transport you to the shores of Maryland’s picturesque coastline.
