Fresh From Florida: Mastering the Blue Crab Panini

Brevard County, Florida, is offering a delicious culinary experience: the Florida blue crab panini. This recipe, courtesy of Fresh From Florida, combines the delicate sweetness of Florida blue crab with classic panini flavors for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Florida blue crab meat
• ½ Florida bell pepper, diced fine
• 1 stalk celery, diced fine
• ¼ cup green onions, chopped
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2-3 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, for cooking
• Several dashes hot sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose seafood seasoning (your favorite)
• French bread (or your favorite)

Preparation

1. Combine all ingredients except for crab meat. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
2. Gently fold in the crab meat, making sure not to break up any large pieces.
3. Add ¾ cup crab salad to each sandwich and spread the softened butter on both pieces of bread.
4. Using a waffle iron, panini press, or sauté pan, grill until golden brown on both sides.
5. Serve warm.

Enjoy this taste of Florida’s fresh seafood!