Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes

Of the many species of crab inhabiting the East Coast waters, blue crab is the most plentiful, ranking behind lobster and shrimp in commercial value. The crab most often found on the menu at beach picnics, it is available from February, when the water turns warm around Florida, until cold weather returns. The stone crab, by contrast, is rare and expensive. Concentrated around Key West and Miami, it ranges up to the Carolinas and west to Texas. Only the claw meat is eaten: trappers break off one claw, and the crab regenerates a new one. The secret to making sure you get the most value for your lump crabmeat in this recipe is to make sure you don't overmix it with the other ingredients. Tossing until just combined creates a better texture and less monotonous tasting crab cake. These crab cakes are the perfect party-ready appetizer, but they can also be served as a main dish.