1 can crab meat
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
1/2 stick butter, soft
2 tbsp. flour
1/4 c. milk
1/2 c. finely chopped onion
1/4 tsp. paprika (optional)
1/4 c. finely diced green pepper
1 tsp. minced dried parsley or 2 tbsp. fresh
1 egg
1/2 c. bread crumbs

Set crab meat aside after draining; pick over and remove any shells.

Sauté onion and green pepper together in small amount (about 1/2 tsp.) of butter until onions are translucent; add minced garlic and parsley and heat for another minute while pan is still hot. Remove from heat and add butter, stirring until melted. Stir in milk and flour. Return pan to heat and heat over medium low heat until milk mixture thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.

In a bowl, combine all ingredients, mixing in crab last. Shape into oblong croquettes or patties and fry in enough hot vegetable oil (360-365°F) to cover; fry until golden brown on all sides.