Yada Yada Yada -The Crab Bisque

For those of you who are Seinfeld fans you will know what I mean. I couldn't resist when I found this delicious looking recipe in the African-American Heritage Cookbook. It sounds wonderful, especially the small amount of whisky that is added for flavoring. It might calm the kids right down. I have added the recipe for Seafood Seasoning, also from the same cookbook. This makes 4 to 6 servings.


2 Tablespoons butter
1-1/4 cups finely chopped onion
1 cup finely chopped celery
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 small bay leaf
1-1/2 teaspoons Seafood Seasoning (recipe follows)
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
4 cups clam juice
1/2 cup peeled and diced russet potato
3/4 cup light cream
2 Tablespoons Scotch Whisky
1 lb. lump crabmeat
salt & pepper
chopped chives for garnish


Over medium heat, melt butter in a heavy medium-size pot. Add onion, red bell pepper, bay leaf, celery, and seasonings. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. Stir a couple of times to prevent sticking. Add clam juice and diced potato; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, partially cover pot, and simmer until the potato is very tender. Puree soup in blender until smooth (or use a wand blender in the pot) Return to pot; add cream, scotch, and crabmeat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish individual servings with chopped chives.




Seafood Seasoning


This makes about 1/2 cup of seasoning.


2 Tablespoons celery salt
1 Tablespoon ground bay leaves
1 Tablespoon salt
1-1/2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground thyme
3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight container until ready for use.