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.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

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

Béchamel Sauce

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

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.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Smashed Broccoli Pasta

A feel-good dinner designed to cram a ton of veg in each serving.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

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

Mascarpone Cheesecake

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