Key West Style Crab Cakes

Got this recipe from a cookbook my husband & I picked up on our honeymoon in the Keys. A few years later, stuck in snowy, land-locked IA where we live, we decided to make up a few batches of these with some Rum Runners and have a "Wish We Were in Key West" dinner party with a few friends.

• Ready In: 51 mins
• Serves: 2-3

Ingredients

• 1  lb  crabmeat (I use canned,lump)
• 2  slices bacon (cooked crisp & crumbled)
• 2  tablespoons onions (minced)
• 1⁄2 red bell pepper (cleaned & chopped fine)
• 1⁄2 green bell pepper (cleaned & chopped fine)
• 1  celery rib (chopped fine)
• 1  clove garlic (minced)
• 1⁄4 cup fresh herb (parsley, cilantro, basil)
• 3 -4  tablespoons  breadcrumbs
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons  Old Bay Seasoning
•  salt and pepper
• 1  pinch cayenne
• 1  egg (beaten)
• 1 -2  tablespoon heavy cream
• 3  tablespoons butter or 3  tablespoons  oil

Directions

1. When preparing bacon, remove from pan and sautee onions, peppers, celery & garlic in bacon drippings.
2. Transfer to a bowl, add crabmeat, herbs& breadcrumbs.
3. Fold in egg & cream.
4. Form into patties, size of your choice.
5. Wrap & refrigerate atleast 30 minutes.
6. Pan fry cakes in butter/oil til crispy on both sides, approximately 3 minutes per side.
7. Serve with horseradish/mustard sauce.