Basic Steamed Blue Crabs

Use a steamer or large pot with a rack and tight fitting lid. Pour water and/or beer into steamer and bring to a boil. Add crabs -- a few at a time -- and sprinkle each layer of crabs with seasonings. Steam crabs for 15 to 20 minutes.

PICKING THE CRAB MEAT: A little practice will enable you to remove the meat from the crabs with minimal difficulty. You will need a small, heavy, sharp kitchen knife and a mallet. Spread out the newspapers and start right in. You'll find the meat in the body sections where the legs attach to the body and in the claws.

This recipe yields ?? servings.