Oh My, It’s Crabmeat Day!

Today is National Crabmeat Day. For us, the best part of the Lenten Season are the Crab Feed Fundraisers. In the past, these were social occasions. Sadly, last year many churches canceled their events completely in the wake of the pandemic.

This year the crab feed fund raisers have adapted, offering drive-through service instead. Some have gone so far as to have people dine in their cars (socially distanced) while having music or other forms of Mardi Gras style entertainment. The lack of socialization was sad, but at least the various churches and other charities were able to raise some much needed money.

Last month, Hubby and I picked up Dinner for Two to support the Howard Training Center. They work with the disabled, physically, emotionally and menially as well as offering countless support services to those in need in the area. A very good cause.

To make up for lack of in-person dining, the Center provided an unbelievable spread of New Orleans favorites – Shrimp Gumbo, Spicy Jambalaya, Sherry Kissed Clam Chowder, Cheddar Bay Biscuits, Baked Potatoes, Southern Style Green Beans and more. The best part of taking all the food home was that the crab was steamed in my instant pot, with plenty of drawn butter. Wow. I’m not sure I’ll do Snow Crabs in a regular pot again. Not with the easy and convenience of an Instant Pot.

This time around we used Drawn Butter for the crab. While Drawn Butter is similar to Clarified Butter, the two are not the same, although if you wanted the extra work, you could make Drawn Butter using Clarified Butter. Clarified Butter takes pure butter and removes both the milk and water from the butter oils. Drawn butter, at its basic form, is melted butter. Way back in the day, during the 18th Century, chefs added flour, water and seasonings such as white pepper and fine sea salt to create what was called a Drawn Butter Sauce. It’s old school, but delicious.

Enjoy!

Instant Pot Steamed Snow Crab
6 Snow Crab Clusters
2 cups Water
2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
Draw Butter for serving
Lemon Wedges for serving

Pick over crab clusters, discard bits of shells or pieces that aren’t truly eatable. In the insert of the instant pot, pour enough water to just reach the bottom of the steamer basket. Add lemon juice to the water.

Fill steamer basket with the crab clusters. Place insert with steamer basket into the base of the instant pot. Secure lid. Select STEAM, CUSTOM and steam for 15 minutes.

Release valve, set instant pot to WARM until ready to serve.

Place steamer basket on a plate directly on the table for serving. Serve with butter and lemon wedges as desired.

Old School Drawn Butter
4-1/2 tablespoons flour
1 pinch White Pepper
Fine Sea Salt to taste
2/3 cup Butter, divided
2 cups hot water

In a small bowl, whisk flour with salt and pepper, Set aside.

Gently melt 1/3 cup butter in a saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the seasoned flour. Gradually add hot water. Increase heat, let gently boil for 5 minutes. Dice remaining third-cup butter and add to the saucepan, one piece at a time.

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