Carolina Crab Casserole

“Deliciously rich and spicy!”

from: Ukrop’s

1 lb regular or backfin crab meat
2 Tbl butter or margarine
2 Tbl flour
1C milk
1 tsp Tabasco sauce
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cracked pepper
1/8 tsp paprika
1 C grated sharp Cheddar cheese
1/4 C fresh bread crumbs
1 Tbl butter

Gently pick through crab to remove all shell; set aside.

Melt 2 Tbl butter or margarine over low heat; stir in flour and allow to bubble over low heat for 2-4 minutes. Remove from heat and slowly add milk; cook over low heat until sauce thickens. Add next five ingredients; stir well. Add cheese and stir until cheese is completely melted. Remove from heat and gently add crab.

Pour into well buttered 1 1/2 quart casserole. Top with bread crumbs and dot with butter. Bake in pre-heated 350-degree oven for 40-45 minutes or until mixture bubbles. Do not over bake!

Note: Make this one day ahead. Do not add crumbs until ready to bake.

Serves 4 generously.