The Sweetness Of Crab Cakes

It's good to keep hold of summer favorites as the season slips away from us.One of them is the simple crab cake. This is a wonderful treat, perfect for either a weekend lunch or even an outdoor dinner. It reminds us of all those waterside shacks that serve crab cakes with a side of freshly made slaw. Biting into one is kind of like holding on to warm sunny beach days.

Crab cakes are pretty easy to make. You can use fresh or canned  lump crab meat to start.Remember to check for cartilage because this can render your cake overly  chewy. Some recipes called for dried bread, others call for Saltines,What you use is your decision however the crackers will produce a lighter and crispier texture.If you want the traditional Baltimore or Maryland kind then mix in the Japanese panko breadcrumbs. Again they will give your cakes a lighter ,airier kind of texture. All recipes call for the famed Old Bay Seasoning. This is a blend  of various spices and red pepper flakes.Most of it you can replicate yourself, especially with the addition of celery salt, bay leaf, cardamon, ginger and black pepper (along with cloves, allspice and ginger).Crab cakes also  require one egg for binding.You can use an egg substitute  for a healthier recipe if you want.

.The most important step is mounding them into patties. Too much crab meat  and they could fall apart .Too little and they'll crisp up when frying. Try not to pack them too tightly.Think hamburger with a width of 1 inch wide.Crab cakes  can be made in various sizes however remember that the smaller ones don't require the amount of  frying time as their bigger counterparts. The frying itself also is varied. Some chefs swear by canola oil. Others prefer vegetable oil.For a richer flavor try cooking them in butter or the healthier olive oil. All recipes use a primed skillet. Serve them either on a hamburger bun or just with a side of a oil and vinegar cole slaw.Have both ketchup and hot sauce on the table along with a tartar sauce to bring out their flavor.

Eat crab cakes and savor what's left of the glorious  summer. Having them is like a day at the beach for your palate. It's a  fun romp in the sea with all its' briny goodness.