Seafood Galore and More in Maryland!

June 30, 2021

Out of the 4,500 or so types of crabs found in the world, only a few make it to our table. Can you name the most popular four? You got it: Dungeness, Snow, King, and the beloved (and some say the best), Chesapeake Bay Blue.

We get why they’re named after the Chesapeake Bay— after all, approximately 50% of them come from Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay. But why blue? Well, it’s because of the color of their claws when they’re pulled from the water. Once cooked though, they turn to the familiar red-orange.

Maryland crabs are at their most bountiful in the summer and early fall, and a traditional steamed crab feast is best enjoyed outside, accompanied by all the trimmings such as Old Bay® seasoning, melted butter, corn on the cob, and ice-cold beer. Imagine our next trip to Maryland: a beautiful summer day, papers laid out on a picnic table, and enjoying this delicious class crab boil with our girlfriendships® crew!

Let’s Eat…in!

Classic Crab Boil

Ingredients for 2 | Multiply by degree of hunger, divide by number of girlfriends!

Prep time	10 mns
Cook time	30 mns
Total time	40 mns

Ingredients

2 tablespoons mustard seed

2 tablespoons celery seed

1 tablespoon dill seed

1 tablespoon coriander seed

1 tablespoon whole allspice

1/2 teaspoon whole cloves

4 bay leaves

8 quarts water

1/4 cup salt

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 whole live crabs (2 pounds each)

Melted butter and lemon wedges

Cheesecloth for straining

Directions

Step 1

Make a spice bag by placing the first seven ingredients on a double thickness of cheesecloth. Gather corners of cloth to and tie securely with string.

Step 2

In a large stockpot, bring water, salt, lemon juice, cayenne, and spice bag to a boil.

Step 3

Using tongs, add crab to the stockpot. Return to a boil.

Step 4

Reduce heat. Simmer covered until shells turn bright red, about 15 minutes.

Step 5

Using tongs, remove crab from pot.

Step 6

Run under cold water or plunge into ice water. Serve with melted butter and lemon wedges.

Let’s Eat…out!

Looking for a place in either Baltimore or Salsibury where you can gather with girlfriends for lunch or dinner? Here are a couple of great options.

Thames Street Oyster House, Baltimore | The award-winning Thames Street Oyster House is set on the cobblestones of Thames Street in historic Fells Point. (We think it’s worth a My Girlfriendships trip just to walk those historic cobblestones.) The menu is filled with plenty of choices, but for this visit, we’re keeping it simple with New England fish and chips. Deep fried Georges Bank Cod served with coleslaw, beach fries, and tartar sauce with a glass of chardonnay is a nice way to end the day.

Evolution Craft Brewing, Salisbury | Evolution Craft Brewing doesn’t just make top-rated beers. Their beers are made to pair well with great food—whether it’s the food served at their restaurant or the food you make at home. No wonder their motto is, “Ever-better beer for ever-better food.”

Gather with girlfriends and crack open a can or bottle of your favorite eVo beer. The flash-fried roasted chili calamari served with citrus Thai chili sauce sounds like the perfect choice to wash down with one of their craft beers.