Classic Crab Boil

Name: Classic Crab Boil
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 2 servings.
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons mustard seed; 2 tablespoons celery seed; 1 tablespoon dill seed; 1 tablespoon coriander seeds; 1 tablespoon whole allspice; 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves; 4 bay leaves; Cheesecloth; 8 quarts water; 1/4 cup salt; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 whole live Dungeness crab (2 pounds each); Melted butter and lemon wedges

Dig in to Dungeness crab boiled in a special mix of spices. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin

Ingredients

2 tablespoons mustard seed
2 tablespoons celery seed
1 tablespoon dill seed
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
1 tablespoon whole allspice
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
4 bay leaves
Cheesecloth
8 quarts water
1/4 cup salt
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 whole live Dungeness crab (2 pounds each)
Melted butter and lemon wedges

Directions

Place first seven ingredients on a double thickness of cheesecloth. Gather corners of cloth to enclose seasonings; tie securely with string.
In a large stockpot, bring water, salt, lemon juice, cayenne and spice bag to a boil. Using tongs, add crab to stockpot; return to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until shells turn bright red, about 15 minutes.
Using tongs, remove crab from pot. Run under cold water or plunge into ice water. Serve with melted butter and lemon wedges.