As we mentioned on episode 25 of the phoodcast, these crabmeat canapés started WAY back when our Dad's mom made them every Christmas. We do not know where they came from, but they are a tradition and I don't think either of us could imagine a Holiday season without at least one batch.
When the name transitioned from the elegant "Crabmeat Canapes" to "Crabby Patties" is also a bit of a mystery, but probably happened some time after the elder M was born and we all started watching SpongeBob Squarepants.
Why only at the Holidays? Yet another case for Scooby Doo and the gang. It just is. (Who knew us Jones' were so mysterious...)
On a side note, Aunt Cathy (AKA Diva) of the Chi-town hood, made them once when H joined the OB family. After she got over her surprise, inquired as to where SHE heard about them. Not sure, but she remembers getting the recipe from a newspaper article a whiiiiiiile back. No one knows which one, though. The mystery continues...
The ingredients, as Gram left to us, reads:
½ t Lawry’s seasoned salt
¼ t garlic powder
1 stick butter
1 T mayo
1 can Alaskan crab meat
6 English muffins, split
However, since transitioning to a more REAL way of eating, a jar of shelf-stable "cheese spread" makes us a bit squeamish.
Outside of that, pretty much everything is legit for a Holiday treat (Lawry's and their "spices" not withstanding).
So, after a bit of trial and error... we've re-vamped it to this:
8 oz finely shredded cheddar
¾ t seasoned salt
¼ t garlic powder
1 stick butter, softened
1 T cream cheese, softened
1 can wild-caught crab meat
6 GF English muffins, split (we like Glutino)
smoked paprika, for garnish, optional
bunch chives, chopped, for garnish, optional
Mix all ingredients together. Spread on 12 muffin halves. Sprinkle with paprika, if using.
Place on cookie sheet and freeze until ready to serve. Cut into quarters and broil until cheese is melted and toasty. Top with chopped chives, if using.
We love that you can make ahead and then just throw under the broiler for a few minutes (from frozen!) and you have a tasty appetizer in no time!
We hope you try these! If, no - WHEN you do, let us know how you liked them on our Facebook page.
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