I should probably be scrubbing the kitchen floor on the weekends. Or hanging up the pile of clean laundry that’s been sitting beside the bed for an embarrassing amount of time. I’m thoroughly convinced hangers are overrated.

Sometimes after a long week of work it just doesn’t happen.

The weekends now are the screeching of neighborhood kids, like they’ve just been let out of a cage. It’s the ice cream truck playing Christmas music in June and the smell of smoky grills wafting in every direction.

It is driving home from the market and seeing handmade signs in someone’s yard advertising live crabs, just caught.

We asked for a dozen and since it was our first time buying from him, he slipped us five extra crabs. Any good dealer gives you more just to entice you and let you know how good his product is. And it was.

Every once in awhile rather than bombard your life with tasks, just sit with your family and encrust your nails with spices -  enjoy the moment entirely – eat it up. Consume love.

Steamed Maryland Blue Crabs

Whatcha Need:

• One large pot with a platform, rack, or screen in the bottom (You want the crabs to steam, not touch or cook in the liquid – that is no good).
• One part water, one part apple cider vinegar, one part beer. This amount will vary depending on the size of your pot.
• Live crabs. Please do not cook ones that have already gone to the bay in the sky.
• Old Bay or JO seasoning. The choice is yours – but man, people have some strong feelings about which is better. I’ll stay out of this one.

In the bottom of your large pot, combine the water, vinegar and beer. Place your rack/screen over the liquid.

Bring the mixture to a boil. Layer the crabs, and with each layer pour on the seafood seasoning. Don’t be shy – pour it.

Cover your pot and steam for about 20-30 minutes. When they are all fully red with no dark or green spots, you’re ready to serve. Cover your table with the finest tablecloth.

Dump your crabs on top and dig in. I’d tell you how to pick a crab but I don’t like hate mail. Plus, you know how to Google.

Optional for serving:

Like your seasoning of choice, people have big opinions about how to eat their picked meat. Some like it straight, and some like to dunk! Here are a few things you might want to serve with your beautiful crabs (besides beer).

• Melted butter
• Vinegar
• Cocktail sauce

Cleaning the crime scene is just as easy; just roll the newspaper up and throw it away!

Cheers!