Crab Cakes, Tailgating and Football... Go Ravens!

Living in Maryland right now people are excited about painting the town purple and partying. This weekend our Baltimore Ravens are playing the Colts for a shot at the Super Bowl and the fact that the game is against the Colts makes it more exciting.  You see, the Indianapolis Colts were once the Baltimore Colts, the beloved team of Maryland but someone bought the team and literally had them sneaked out of town in the middle of the night.  From then on the beloved Colts became the enemy team and now the Ravens get to show what they are made of against them. Our Govenor has even made a bet with the other Govenor, for the Indianapolis Colts, that we will win. Our state bet is none other than the Chesapeake Bay Crab Cake and one of my favorite things. In support of our Ravens here is my recipe for crab cakes. They are terrific for your parties and for tailgating this weekend.  They can also be rolled into balls and fried instead of the patties so they will go further. Try them out, I think you will really love them.

When it comes to making your crab cakes or even eating them steamed it isn't properly prepared without Old Bay Seasoning. Old Bay used to be a Mid-Atlantic seasoning but I am sure it is now available country wide. It is the prefect blend of spices and salt to set off the delicious crab meat.



One Pound fresh crab meat
1/3 cup bread crumbs
2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning (little less if you like yours milder)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Stir together all ingredients except for the crab meat. When blended, then slowly stir in the crab meat trying not to break it up too much. When all is mixed, make into patties. Depending on size wanted it will do between 8 and 12. Size and quantity is your decision. Place on plate, cover with wrap and put into the refrigerator for an hour. Putting them into the frig helps blend the flavors and helps them stay together when cooking. There are two equally good ways to cook them, one, melt a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of oil together in a frying plan and fry them on a medium heat, turning once when you see the edges turning golden brown. Cooking time is around ten to fifteen minutes on each side. Don't mess with them or they will come apart since they aren't loaded with bread filler. Remove the little golden cakes from the pan and serve warm however you like them. We love crackers and fresh tomatoes with ours. The second way to cook them is baked in a 375 degree oven, on a greased baking sheet, for 10 to fifteen minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Again, serve warm however you like them.

Who are you cheering on this year? Do you like your home team or one from another state? I'm fickled some years and cheer on several teams but this year it is Baltimore.  Go Ravens!