Beer and Crab

   I had every intention of cooking tonight and then the call of the social won, as it usually will.  It's the last night before I get to be "mom" again, so I stopped for drinks. The Happy Hour special was Saranac Pale Ale at The Houndstooth Pub, 520 8th Avenue @ 37th St. NYC. A great deal at $5 a pint, so I had 2.
   A friend and colleague lives on the water on Long Island and became my new best friend when he brought me a dozen Long Island Blue Crab that he pulled out of his back yard. After I carried them in my back pack on the bus and they leaked out all over my clothes and bag, when I got home I steamed them up with a good douse of Old Bay.  One inch of water in the bottom of the pot brought to a boil.   Metal rack on the bottom and then just drop the crab in and cover with a good layer of Old Bay seasoning, put the lid on tight until they are turned an nice bright red.  They were mostly male but they were a little on the small side.  The meat in the claws was wonderful, I think the bodies were a little small still to be true peak.  Either way it took care of my summer long craving and got the Old Bay flavor in.  I opened up a bottle of Bavarian Barbarian Hammerin Ale that I brought back from Williamsport PA, where we did the beer tour and tasting last month.  It is a great beer and was a nice accompaniment to the crab.  Check out their website at http://www.bavarianbarbarian.com/.  
     With any luck I can get in one more crab fix before the season ends, but if not there is always next year......
     As to the Chocolate Shortbread I made last night, it was devoured today almost instantly at home and work, so I'll take that as being a hit.  The piece I had was wonderful!