Best Ever Crab Melt

It's the time of the year when we just can't find enough ways to eat blue crab.  This recipe is a new favorite, and comes from a cookbook that we really love.  Writing this post also led to an interesting discovery.

The Neiman Marcus Cookbook was a limited edition book, and to our surprise, has become a collectors item.  Originally published in 2003 to mark the 50th Anniversary of Neiman Marcus's first restaurant, the Zodiac Room in Dallas, it contains recipes drawn from all of the chain's 42 locations.  It's been a good investment, beyond the wonderful meals we've made, and we've now learned that it has actually appreciated in value.   

The list price for the cookbook is $45, but the least expensive new one on Amazon is $86, the most expensive is $212, with "used" books starting at $54.32.  It's an expensive cookbook (it is Neiman Marcus), but worth it ...and it may be one the few that will provide any monetary return on your investment -- should you ever want to part with it, but trust us, you won't.   

The cookbook contains a number of winners.  Jen used to work at Nieman's and the Tortilla Soup (pg. 19) was always a favorite for lunch in the "Neiman's Cafe".  The Chicken Salad recipe (pg. 90) is a classic, and the chocolate chip cookies are well known, and delicious.    We recently discovered a new favorite and wanted to share it with all of you.

What:   Crab and Shrimp Salad "Melt" on Sourdough Bread (click on the recipe to enlarge)

Why it's the Best:  The method of cooking the shrimp makes it so flavorful, and when combined with fresh lump crab, tangy mustard, cheese, and all of the remaining ingredients, the end product is truly delicious.  Then, putting the mixture on a fresh slice of sourdough bread, and baking puts this already great "salad" on a whole new level.

How We Know: The cookbook made Oprah's favorite things list for 2003, who can argue with that.

Craving Level: Monthly during crab season.

Reviews:  Cookbook reviews by buyers