Shelly's Recipe

CRABMEAT AU GRATIN

Category: Fish and Seafood

1 lb crabmeat
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 medium onion, minced
1 stalk celery, minced
1/2 cup flour
1 (12-oz) can evaporated milk
3/4 to 1 cup half and half
2 egg yolks, beaten
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
8 oz Velvetta, Cheez Whiz or other processed cheese food

Pick through the crabmeat to check for and discard the shells. Put into a large mixing bowl and set aside.

Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 8 or 9 inch square baking dish with non-stick spray and set aside.

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until tender. Stir in the flour a little at a time until fully incorporated; cook for 5 minutes. Slowly add the evaporated milk and half and half until fully incorporated. Quickly stir in the egg yolks and then the salt, pepper and cayenne. Cook for another 5 minutes. Mixture will be fairly thick.

Pour the mixture over the crabmeat and gently fold it in until well combined. Transfer mixture to the baking pan. Microwave the cheese on medium heat just until cheese is pourable. Pour over the top of the crab mixture and using a spatula, gently push the cheese to evenly cover the top.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until top is browned. Serve with a nice garden salad, and steamed broccoli or other non-starchy veggie.