Hi Y’all,
I’m coming to you this week from Port Aransas, a favorite writing spot on the Texas Gulf Coast. If you’ve read Dollar Signs, you know that Port A plays a big part in the story, second to Austin.
Merit took a long walk on the beach after breakfast. She’d always loved the bird life along Mustang Island. The waves were full of diving gulls munching on lunch. Cranes and heron walked their long legs along the surf hoping a fisherman would cast off a leftover carcass.
Without giving too much away, Merit’s long walk on Mustang Island beach in the excerpt above was a moment of calm before the storm.
One of my favorite recipes to make while at the coast is Betty’s Fried Soft Shell Crabs, which you can find in the Texas Lady Lawyer Cookbook along with many other Southern recipes. If you haven’t received the free cookbook: click here. I’m also giving you the recipe below – can’t wait to hear how you like it!
Betty’s Fried Soft Shell Crabs
Ingredients:
8 soft-shell crabs, cleaned and rinsed gently under cold running water
Vegetable oil for deep-frying
1 tablespoon Old Bay or Greek Seasoning, plus more for sprinkling
1 cup all-purpose flour (or Rice flour for the gluten intolerant)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions:
Preheat the oil in a large saucepan or deep fryer to 360 degrees F.
Crab: Rinse crabs and pat dry. Combine the flour with the Old Bay or Greek Seasoning, salt and ground black pepper and stir to combine well. Lightly dredge each crab in the seasoned flour, making sure that the crabs are completely coated.
Using tongs, gently lower the crabs (in batches if necessary) completely into the oil and fry until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Turn the crabs over and fry an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy all over.
Careful – crabs will splatter as they are cooking! Transfer crabs to paper-lined plates to drain briefly. Sprinkle with Old Bay while still hot.
Serve with tartar or red sauce. Same recipe may be used for Fried Shrimp or Fish.
Happy Reading (and Cooking),
Manning
