Whenever I visit a new Caribbean Island, it is a customary to try something that I haven’t had before. Well, my palate has seen the light of day many times over, but there were many times when I was pleasantly surprised. Today I am taking you “CRABBING.” to expand your culinary horizons.

Crabbing is best during the hottest time of the year, because the crabs come out of their crab holes to frolic in the water. The Blue Crab is a fast little guy, and you must be quick in capturing him. He lives on land in a sand or mud hole, but takes frequent trips to the water’s edge for a dip and a drink. When a crab catcher strikes, he must be quick and careful of “Mr. Armed & Dangerous,” because his pinch is perfect. But the effort is woth it, because Crabs are insanely delicious.

This brings me to the time I had a Crab and Callaloo Soup made by a local friend of mine in the Virgin Islands. This awesome meal is cooked in a large soup pot. Crabs are cleaned, backs removed, legs trimmed, and washed with lime. Add cleaned crabs to a soup pot along with peeled root vegetables, plantains, chicken stock, thyme, minced habernero, onion, salt and pepper, some coconut milk, ears of corn, okra and Calallo. This is boiled for 45 minutes and served in large bowls.

In the Caribbean, there are parties for just about everything, and one of the most popular appetizers to serve is Stuffed Crab Backs. After the crabs have been cooked, remove crab meat making sure all bones have been removed. Meantime, clean and wash the backs with lime and reserve. The meat is seasoned with herbs, combined with bread crumbs, lime juice, Dijon mustard, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and an egg. Pack this well, into the reserved crab backs, and bake for about 20 minutes. Sprinkle with finely chopped thyme.

Finally for a light course, one of my favorites Caribbean She Crab Soup was made by a friend of mine from the Cayman Islands, and have left a lasting memory. Make this any time of the year and you can have a fantasy getaway at your dining room table while you savor these awesome flavors. For special effects, close your eyes after every bite, and while you’re at it, don a pair of sunglasses for coolness and you’ll be instantly transported to the Caribbean.
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