I love crab. 

When I moved to Seattle, I didn’t like seafood. Crab changed my mind. Specifically, the crab cakes from Wild Ginger in Seattle. Unfortunately, they are no longer on the menu there. Tragedy. But, I now eat crab in all its forms. I love to just crack open a steamed crab and pick it apart with my fingers. On its own, or with a collection of glorious sauces like we had for this amazing beach picnic. 

There are many reasons why I’m lucky to have the friends that I have. They are artistic, kind, and love food. Jessica Elizabeth, who does most of the beautiful photography for my website planned this beachside picnic for a school project she was doing at the time. She invited us along to eat and enjoy an afternoon on the beach while she took these fabulous photos. 

The fare was simple. Crab, oysters, a variety of sauces, bread and butter. Oh, and wine. Of course there was wine. The guys played music. We dug into the feast. We watched the tide come in. (At one point we had to move the whole setup back about 5 feet because the water started getting too close. It was a very amusing quick shift.)
Such a lovely memory. I kept forgetting I had these pictures. Glad to share them with you now, about a year later.

Like I said, the fare was simple. Not much stuff happening here, recipe-wise. But I will share with you my favorite cocktail sauce. It is from the Barefoot Contessa and it is perfect. In fact, I even listed it once before. Also, below is a basic recipe for garlic aoli. Both are great for dipping your crab in. Or shrimp for that matter. Melted butter and lemon wedges are great, but it is good to shake it up now and then. I highly recommend you do something like this party. It is so simple and delicious. Buy some steamed crabs from your seafood department and some oysters. Make a few sauces, slice some lemons, tear a loaf of bread in half- call it a party. Perfect for a fall picnic. Let your friends get dirty. Get your hands in it. Lick your fingers. Clean your hands with lemon juice.

Enjoy your friends. Enjoy your food. Enjoy your life.

Cocktail Sauce

1/2 cup chili sauce (recommended: Heinz)
1/2 cup ketchup (recommended: Heinz)
3 tablespoons prepared horseradish
3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon Siratcha
black pepper

Mix and serve.

Roasted Garlic Aoli

To roast a head of garlic, slice off the top of the head, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Cook at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. Squeeze the cloves out of the head. Smash with about 3/4 cup of mayonnaise. (Do not use Miracle Whip.) Salt and pepper.

Photographs by Jessica Yager.