1. Preheat the oven to 250°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the egg white in a medium sized stainless steel bowl & whisk until frothy. Add the brown sugar & vanilla & stir until smooth.
3. Add the pecans & coconut, if desired, & stir until well coated. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet & arrange in a single layer.
4. Set aside at least 30 minutes & up to two hours. Transfer to the oven & bake, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour.
5. Immediately loosen the nuts with a spatula & set aside to cool.
1. Combine cucumbers, lemon juice, salt, paprika, tarragon, & parsley in blender for 3 minutes.
2. Add sour cream to the mixture.
3. Mix well; refrigerate for 20 minutes or until chilled.
4. Place lump crab meat in cocktail dishes & chill until ready to serve, then pour dressing over crab dishes.
Chef’s Note: This recipe was the First Place winner in the 1971 National Hard Crab Derby in Crisfield, MD.
Prepare the oysters. Combine the flour & cracker meal & dredge the oysters in the mixture. Let the oysters sit, refrigerated, for 20 minutes. Heat the oil to about 350°F on medium heat. Add in the butter (optional for flavor).
Fry the oysters until crispy, about 1-2 minutes per side. The oysters are done when they are golden brown & crispy. Transfer the fried oysters to a paper towel lined plate. Sprinkle with sea salt & serve hot with spicy cocktail sauce and lemon wedges.
Chef’s Note:This is a great recipe for the holidays and goes well as croutons on a salad or as part of the dressing in a Thanksgiving turkey!
1. Heat 2″ of peanut oil in a high-sided pan to 360°F.
2. Fry the tortillas, in batches, until light golden brown. Drain on paper towels & season immediately with cumin & salt.
1. In a small bowl, mix the margarine, masa, & sugar with a mixer until light & fluffy, about 1 minute.
2. Blend ½ the corn kernels with the water in a blender until smooth.
3. Combine with margarine mixture, stirring well.
4. Add the remaining corn, cornmeal, baking powder, salt & milk.
5. Bring a medium saucepan of water to boil.
6. Pour the mixture into an 8″ baking dish.
7. Tightly cover with plastic wrap & set atop the saucepan of boiling water.
8. Keep pan tightly wrapped & steam for 50 minutes to 1 hour.
9. Check water level often, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Chef’s Note: This has also been made in the oven, setting the pan in a water bath. Not sure of the temperature or time.
