Baltimore Crab Cakes

It was Singer’s turn to host this past Wednesday.  We celebrated her birthday by drinking champagne and gorging on enjoying an absolutely delectable flourless chocolate cake that Foodie made.  Being it was her (surprise) birthday celebration, we felt bad that it was Singer’s turn to cook but our regret quickly faded to delight as we devoured the crab cakes that she prepared.   I lived in a Baltimore suburb for a few years and eating these crustation disks of deliciousness brought back some wonderful memories.

Taking my first bite, I immediately tasted the Old Bay that blended so nicely with the tanginess of the mustard, the subtle heat of the jalapeño and the tartness of the lemon juice squeezed on top.

Baltimore Crab Cakes 

From: Bon Appetit Test Kitchen

¼ cup mayonnaise

2 scallions, thinly sliced
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 ½ teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
½ jalapeño, seeded, finely chopped
1 pound lump crabmeat, picked over
1 ¼ cup panko (these are Japanese breadcrumbs, now readily available at most supermarkets)
1 tablespoon thinly sliced chives
¼ easpoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Lemon wedges for garnish

Preparation:

Whisk first 7 ingredients in a medium bowl. Add crab; fold to blend. Stir in 3/4 cup panko, chives, salt, and pepper. Divide into 6 equal portions. Form each into 1"-thick patties. Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place remaining 1/2 cup panko on a plate. Coat cakes with panko. Fry until golden brown and crisp, 3-4 minutes per side. Arrange atop lettuce; serve with lemon wedges.

Tartar Sauce

Mix together:
¼  cup mayonnaise
½ shallot minced
2 tablespoons of capers, rinsed and minced
2 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish
1 ½ tsp of white wine vinegar
½ tsp of Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp of pepper

Additional note from the birthday girl….”I used an additional ¼ tsp of garlic/chili sauce to spice it up a bit!”

We ate, our gracious host opened presents, we drank, we talked.  Singer attempted to share photos from her trip to Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic, but her technology just would not cooperate.  It was, as always, a very pleasant evening.