SAUTEED CRAB FINGERS

Crab fingers--the claw with the bottom jaw removed and the shell peeled from the meat--are the most economical form of blue crabmeat. They make a wonderful appetizer that can be prepared a number of ways. This one is probably the version with the greatest number of calories. But so what. You eat a few as an appetizer and then move on to the tofu.

1 stick butter
1 small head garlic, peeled and chopped
1 lb. crab fingers
1 tsp. Creole seasoning
1/4 tsp. salt
1 Tbs. freshly-squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup dry white wine
2 green onions, thinly sliced

1. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant.

2. Add the crab fingers and sprinkle with Creole seasoning and salt. Agitate the pan to cook the crab fingers evenly.

3. After two minutes, mix the wine and lemon juice and pour into the pan. Add the green onions. Agitate the pan to stir the ingredients together, and bring to a light boil for two more minutes. The sauce should have a somewhat creamy appearance.

4. Serve crab claws in a bowl with all the sauce for dipping. Some toasted French bread crescents would be nice to dip in there, too.

Serves about four appetizers.
By: Tom Fitzmorris
From: New Orleans Foodfest