1/2 c. "Old Bay" seasoning
1/2 c. salt
3 c. white vinegar
3 c. beer
3 doz. LIVE blue crabs (crabs must be alive)

(This is a seafood seasoning made in Maryland. It is available locally. Ask your grocer where it's located in the store. Old Bay is a delicious seasoning on fried chicken, hamburgers, steak and shrimp. Vegetable dishes too).

(NEVER STORE STEAMED CRABS SO THAT THEY ARE TOUCHING EACH OTHER). Combine seasoning and salt and set aside. Combine vinegar and beer in a large pot with a lid. Bring to a boil. Place rack in pot over boiling liquid; arrange half of crabs on rack. Sprinkle with half of Old Bay. Top with remaining crabs and sprinkle with remaining seasoning mixture.

Cover and steam 20 to 30 minutes or until crabs turn bright red. Serve immediately on newspaper covered table. Make crab mallets and sharp pointed knives available to remove crabmeat. Serves 6.