Potted Crab

Name: Potted Crab
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 3 3/4 hours
Yield: Makes 4 to 6 hors d'oeuvre servings
Ingredients: 1 lb cooked king crab legs in shell, thawed if frozen and shells split lengthwise; 1/2 lb lump crabmeat, picked over; 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon medium-dry Sherry; 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon minced shallot; 1/4 teaspoon ground mace; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; Pinch of cayenne; Accompaniment:Irish brown bread , thinly sliced and toasted; a 2-cup glass or ceramic dish; or 4 to 6 (4-oz) ramekins

In manor-house cooking, meat, poultry, and fish were preserved by being "potted" — minced and combined with seasonings, then packed in a container and covered with a layer of fat or butter. The fat was removed before serving, and the contents of the container spread on toasts or crackers.

August 20, 2004

Cooks' note:

Potted crab is best when made at least 1 day ahead (to allow flavors to meld and mellow) and can be kept chilled up to 3 days.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Classic French Bouillabaisse With Rouille

This flexible recipe is all you need to bring this iconic Provençal seafood stew to your table.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.