blake murphy wrote:
> On Fri, 01 Jan 2010 15:48:25 +1100, Gettamulla Tupya wrote:
>
>> On Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:43:11 -0800, "Joe J." > wrote:
>>
>>> Anyone have an easy method? Here in the desert they are on sale for $7.99#
>>> but it just seems like it's too much work to split them. Tried nut
>>> crackers, running a fork up the length of the leg etc, still looking for a
>>> good method.
>>>
>> We don't get king crabs in Australia, but for our local blue swimmer crabs I use nut
>> crackers for the legs.
>
> in maryland (and lousiana, texas, etc.) the blue crab claws are cracked
> with a lightweight wooden mallet:
>
> <http://www.webstaurantstore.com/7-wooden-lobster-crab-mallet/375M7.html>
>
> the legs are too skinny to do anything but break off the ends and squeeze
> out the meat like toothpaste.

We have our own "Carvel Hall" brand little crab hammers and knives. We
bring them to crab crackings. I believe it's a Maryland tradition or
something like that.

My friend and I have not been able to go crabbing as the county is
redoing the lot and boat ramp where we put in to crab. He promised me
that as soon as it's open, we'll go crabbing. Texas blue crabs are every
bit as good as their northern cousins. Of course, being Texas crabs,
they are bigger :-)

--
Janet Wilder
Way-the-heck-south Texas
Spelling doesn't count. Cooking does.