Chesapeake Crab Boil

Submitted by ratherbeswimmin

"In 'A Love Affair with Southern Cooking' by Jean Anderson"

 

• Ready In: 40mins
• Ingredients: 6
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 2 cups beer
• 1 cup white distilled vinegar
• 1⁄4 cup Old Bay Seasoning
• 1⁄4 cup salt
• 1 1⁄2 dozen live blue crabs
• 1 cup butter, melted

directions

1. Combine the beer, vinegar, Old Bay, and salt in a medium nonreactive bowl; set aside.
2. Place a rack in the bottom of a large, deep, nonreactive kettle.
3. Pile half the crabs on the rack and pour in half the beer mixture; add the remaining crabs and beer mixture.
4. Set over med-high heat and bring to a boil; adjust the heat so the liquid bubbles gently, cover tight, and steam the crabs for 20-25 minutes or until they are bright red.
5. Serve at once with melted butter and plenty of napkins.
6. Don't forget to put out a large bowl to catch the crab shells.