Crabbin' on the Chesapeake (Maryland)

As we continue our Staycation, we come to our next state - Maryland.  It is home to the United States Naval Academy and the National Aquarium.  Maryland is "sub"merged in history! Sixteen, of the states twenty-three, counties are on the coast.  I found it amazing that Annapolis, the state capital, is known as the sailing capital of the world!  So of course, good seafood must go hand in hand with Maryland- specifically -blue crab.

When I was in middle school, my family rented a boat and sailed the Chesapeake Bay. We made lots of memories and had a great time.  I wish I could tell you that the water was beautiful; however, it was jellyfish season, so most of our time was spent on the boat!  One thing I did learn on the trip, was how messy and time consuming it is to clean blue crab.  Here is a recipe that gives you all the flavor of the crab and less work!

Maryland Blue Crab Dip:

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened                                                                     

1/2 cup sour cream                                                                     

2 tablespoons mayo                                                                    

1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice                                                                     

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

garlic powder to taste                                                                     

1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese                                                                     

3/4 pound fresh crabmeat                                                                     

3 dashes hot sauce                                                                     

Old Bay Seasoning to taste

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Lightly grease a 1 quart baking dish.  In a medium bowl, add cream cheese, 

Sour cream, 

Mayo,

Lemon juice, 

Worcestershire sauce, 

Garlic powder, 

About 2 tablespoons of the Cheddar cheese. 

Mix well.

Fold in crabmeat, 

Hot sauce,

Old Bay.

Mix well.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. 

Top with remaining Cheddar cheese,

Sprinkle to top with a dash of Old Bay.

Bake in the preheated oven 30 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned.

Serve with crackers and enjoy ....  it will be burn the top of your mouth hot when it comes out of the oven - but so worth it!