Difference Between Crab Claw and Back Fin Meat

06 Saturday Jul 2024

Posted by Bob and Robin in Blue Crab, Captain's Shack, Crab, Recipe By: Captain's Shack, Recipe by: Robin and Bob Young, Recipe: Chef James Grimes, Shell Fish, What's For Dinner?

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back fin, Blue Crab, claw meat, crab cakes, crab meat, food, recipes

I have had several questions about the difference between crab back fin and claw meat. Are they not from the same animal? Yes they are, but like different cuts of beef, they come from different parts of the crab. I hope this short discussion will clarify the question. I prefer to use Blue Crab over any other type. Here is a recipe for Crab Cakes. http://www.rockinrs.com/CS-Crab-Cakes.pdf (Tartar Sauce – https://www.rockinrs.com/CS-Tartar-Sauce-Best.pdf)

Crab meat can be found in different parts of the crab, and each type has distinct characteristics. Here are the key differences between claw meat and back fin meat:

Claw Meat

Texture: Claw meat is typically firmer and more fibrous than back fin meat. This is because the claws are used for defense and feeding, requiring stronger muscle fibers. Color: It often has a darker color compared to back fin meat, with a slightly reddish-brown hue. Flavor: Claw meat tends to have a stronger, more pronounced flavor, which can be slightly sweeter. This makes it a favorite for dishes where a robust crab taste is desired. Use: It’s commonly used in dishes where the crab flavor needs to stand out, such as crab cakes, soups, and stews.

Back Fin Meat

Texture: Back fin meat, also known as lump or body meat, is usually flakier and more delicate than claw meat. It comes from the crab’s body and the area where the back fins attach. Color: It is typically whiter and more translucent compared to claw meat. Flavor: The flavor is milder and less pronounced than claw meat. This subtle taste makes it ideal for dishes where a delicate crab flavor is preferred. Use: Back fin meat is often used in salads, cocktails, and more refined dishes where the presentation and texture of the crab meat are important.

Each type of crab meat has its own culinary uses and can be chosen based on the desired texture and flavor profile of the dish being prepared. The crab cakes pair well with a Parma Ridge Winery Avielle.

Update on Sources and New Dishes

13 Thursday Jan 2022

Posted by Bob and Robin in Beef, Boise Farmers Market, Breakfast, Breakfast At The Captains Shack, Buy Local, Captain's Shack, Chardonnay, Chef Jacques Pépin, Classic Sauces, Comfort Food, Cookies, Cream Sauces, Dinner At Marnies, Dinner For Robin, Food - Make Your Own Meals, Food Photos, Herbs and Spices, Hollandaise Sauce, Housemade Sauces, Idaho Beef, Idaho Eggs, Idaho Lamb, Idaho Pork, Idaho Wine, Malheur River Meats, Parma Ridge Winery, Photos By: Bob Young, Recipe by: Robin and Bob Young, Recipes, Shell Fish, Spinach, Van Lith Ranch, Vegetables, What's For Dinner?, Wines - Idaho

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Malheur River Meats, Meadowlark Farms Idaho Parma Ridge Winery, recipes, Van Lith Ranch

captains-shack-pipe-signed-Walkway-LMP I pretty much failed to list my sources in the Boise area for beef, pork, eggs and lamb. Some of them will even ship to you. Check the links.

For beef I am using 2 different sources. The newest source for some awesome beef products is Van Lith Ranch, http://vanlithranch.com 200 S Pennsylvania Ave, Fruitland, Idaho 83619. (208) 452-3826. We had a fabulous standing prime rib from them. “At Van Lith Ranch, we raise ultra-premium grass-fed, grain-finished beef here in Idaho. Our family ranch is located on the banks of the Payette River where three generations of Van Liths have been raising beef cattle for over 70 years. We use that generational knowledge and experience to hand-select only the highest of quality animals for our Van Lith Ranch line of meat and that personal attention and dedication shows in every mouthwatering bite.”

Another fabulous source for beef and pork is Malheur River Meats, http://malheurrivermeats.com 4276 John Day Hwy, Vale, OR 97918.(208) 573-1058. Awesome beef, but fantastic thick cut, bone in pork chops. They even have pork chops for stuffing which are cut even thicker. They carry eggs, too, in season. And, you can get a change in red meat by eating buffalo from Browns Buffalo Ranch in Nyssa, https://cunninghampasturedmeats.com/vendors/browns-buffalo-ranch. Great meat, especially the steaks and hump roast.

For eggs and lamb, awesome lamb chops, we use Meadowlark Farms Idaho, https://www.meadowlarkfarmidaho.com/ 9904 Southside Blvd, Nampa, Idaho. 83686 (208) 466-4806. A superb source for outstanding lamb products.

BP_10Jan2022_1a_Captains Shack_Waffle Benedict

And speaking of eggs, Meadowlark Farms eggs make an awesome Hollandaise sauce and Eggs Benedict. Just look at these. This was delicious! Even went so far as to try Jacque Pepin’s style. Think I will use it again and again and again!

Not local by any means. Braised Scallops on a bed of Spinach and Chard with a light Béchamel and a Cucumber and Radish Salad with Sour Cream. Such a yum dinner. Served with a wonderful and well pared 2020 Parma Ridge Winery Chardonnay, http://www.parmaridge.wine/. They also have an awesome bistro at the winery. Superb food along with the superb wine. But make a reservation first. Check the link. Happy cooking! (BP-MJ)

Air Fryer Recipes and New Location for the BFM

25 Monday Mar 2019

Posted by Bob and Robin in air fryer resources, AirFryer, AirFryer Recipes, Argentina Pink Shrimp, Boise Adventures, Boise Area Food Adventures, Boise Farmers Market, Boise Food Adventures, Boise Foodie Guild, Ethnic Foods, Organic Foods, Recipe By: Bob Young, Recipe by: Robin and Bob Young, Recipe By: Robin Young, Recipes - Seafood, Seafood, Shell Fish, Shrimp, What's For Dinner?

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AirFryer, burgers, Resources, shrimp

I have a new Air Fryer – actually several – recipe posted at Air Fryer Recipes on this blog and permanently listed above under Air Fryer Recipes. There is something that you should know before you try any of these recipes – and we hope you do and leave a comment – we DO try and work on ALL of the recipes in any of these locations and adapt them to our liking! Ideas come from many locations and resources – other food blogs, recipe connections, Food Network, PBS TV Recipe Saturday and many more.
And another note: The Boise Farmers Market (BFM) moves to it’s new location at Shoreline Drive and Americana Blvd on Saturday April 6, 2019! It’s been a long time in the works. Many, if not most of the produce and products sold at the market, work extremely well with the Air Fryer, and Instant Pot, recipes listed on this blog. See you at the Market! And from their email posting –

The Boise Farmers Market opens in TWO short weeks
on Saturday, April 6th! Join us for our Grand Opening Celebration
and all the goodness of Spring!
Parking and Navigating our New Lot!
The map below is of our new lot and the surrounding streets. Please take a couple minutes to look at it, familiarize yourself, and plan how you will arrive at the market.
Safety for our community, customers and vendors is the most important thing. Please be extra careful!

Please note:
Directional arrows on the streets, entrances and exits.
There are light poles on the lot – be careful to watch for them when parking – especially when backing up.
Pedestrians! Scooters! Bikes! There will be pedestrians, scooters and bikes everywhere. Please look twice, or even three times!
5 Miles Per Hour is the parking lot speed limit. Please drive slowly.
When you are walking to the market entrances, please watch for cars.

We can’t wait to see you on April 6th!

New BFM site in 2019

Great Shellfish Boil

09 Sunday Sep 2018

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Braising, Brunch with Robin, BSU, Captain's Shack, Clams, Comfort Food, Cooking Styles, Corn, Dinner For Robin, Dinner With Robin, Food Photos, Food Prep, Gameday, Garlic, Herbs and Spices, Idaho Potatoes, Kitchen Adventures, Lobster, Made From Scratch, Main Dish, Mussels, Pasta, Photos By: Bob Young, Potatoes, Recipe By: Bob Young, Recipe By: Captain's Shack, Recipe by: Robin and Bob Young, Recipes - Dinner, Recipes - Pasta, Recipes - Seafood, Scallops, Sea Scallops, Seafood, Shell Fish, Special Dinners, What's For Dinner?

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Since Boise State was playing the University of Connecticut, (BSU 62, UConn 7) we thought it would be fitting to have a shell-fish boil. Just did not have any sea water to boil the packs in nor any sea weed. Nonetheless, it was good. No! It was fantastic!
Per package, we used 1 lobster tail, 9 clams, 6 mussels, 1/2 ear corn and 8 small potatoes that we left whole. That was plenty per person. Wrapped the articles in cheese cloth, tied it into a package and placed it in sea salted boiling water for 20 minutes. Made some brown butter for dipping and some good wine and had a feast. Here are some photos. Left Click them to see enlarged. Enjoy!

Making the cheese cloth packages.

After cooking and plated.

Earlier this week, we had an awesome Scallops and Peas with Garlic Pasta. Here it is. Easy to do – Sear the sea scallops (the large ones), 4 per person, in butter with a little minced garlic. In the meantime, make about 1/4 pound angel hair pasta until adente. Add frozen peas and cook until peas are soft, if using frozen ones. Add to the seared scallops and mix well. Plate and top with chopped Italian parsley. Eat slowly and enjoy!

Scallops and Peas with Garlic Pasta

And then tonight, we had an awesome Baked Salmon with Green Beans, Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Israeli Melon. Simply delicious and quick and simple.

Baked Salmon with Green Beans, Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Israeli Melon

New Years Eve and 2017, Day Two

03 Tuesday Jan 2017

Posted by Bob and Robin in Appetizers, Bacon, Basil, Buddy, Buy Idaho, Captain's Shack, Celebrations, Dinner At The Captains Shack, Dinner For Robin, Eggs, Falls Brand Bacon, Food Photos, Heirloom Onions, Herbs, Herbs and Spices, Idaho Eggs, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Scallops, Sea Scallops, Seafood, Shell Fish, Shrimp, What's For Dinner?

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Snow! Cold! Great time to stay inside by the fireplace. Snow keeps falling. Lots of food. Seafood mostly for New Years Eve. Then vegetarian – roasted spaghetti squash. Look. And look, too, at the wonderful Beef Wellington that Chris and Anna made. Awesome!

New Years Eve

Shrimp
Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Rice and Cheese Balls
Deviled Eggs
Variety of Wines

2017 Day Two

Baked Spaghetti Squash
Steamed Cabbage and Onion
Roasted Herbed Tomatoes

And then, check this out! Chris and Anna made this beautiful – absolutely beautiful – Beef Wellington. Look at this.

Beef Wellington
Note the Brussels Sprouts in the background! Wow! Looks like a super dinner. You and Anna should really be proud, Chris.

Beautiful!

Congratulations on 35 Years of Bliss

23 Tuesday Aug 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Anniversary, Appetizers, Boise Area Food Adventures, Buy Idaho, Capitol Cellars, Celebrations, Classic Cuisines, Dinner at Capitol Cellars, Dinner With Robin, Fennel, Feta Cheese, Food Photos, Heirloom Beets, Idaho Lamb, Idaho Vegetables, Lamb, Photos By: Bob Young, Ravenswood Cabernet Sauvignon, Scallops, Sea Scallops, Seafood, Shell Fish, Shrimp, Special Dinners, Special Events, What's For Dinner?

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Yes, congratulations to Skip and Melinda Smyser for 35 years of marital bliss! A great party at their restaurant in Boise, Capitol Cellars – a 5-Star establishment! (There is a permanent link to their restaurant in the sidebar.) Great party with some 30 year old wines that have aged well, just like the marriage. An interesting point – Skip Smyser was an Idaho State Senator for several years and many of the dishes served are of political slant. Check their menu on the site for some names. “Featuring Prime Rib six nights a week, our dinner menu is all about Idaho cuisine. You’ll be sure to find that almost every product is sourced locally.”

The Smyser Family

Beautiful celeebration cake! And delicious.

Beautiful celebration cake! And delicious.

35 year old Beringer!

Decanting a 35 year old Beringer.

A good 30 year old Ravenswood that we shared.

A good 36 year old Ravenswood that we shared.

Superb Champagne, and I don’t like Champagne, but this was awesome.

Cantaloupe
with
Raspberry Balsamic Reduction and Lime Oil

Bethane's Beet Salad with Blood Orange vinaigrette and Feta Cheese

Bethine’s Beet Salad
with
roasted beets, shaved fennel, arugula, candied walnuts, blood orange vinaigrette and local feta

Bethine’s Heirloom Beet Salad

Named after the wife of Idaho Senator Frank Church.

Rack of Lamb

Seafood Risotto

Chanterelle Omelet, Seafood Stir Fry and Scrumptious Chicken Wings

06 Tuesday Oct 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in Appetizers, Asian Food, BBQ Chicken, Boise Farmers Market, Brocolli, Bronco Nation, Captain's Shack, Carrots, Chicken, Chicken Wings, Chinese Food, Coconut Rice, Dinner At The Captains Shack, Gameday, Local Farmers Markets, Local Harvests, Mushrooms, Mushrooms - Chanterelles, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Recipe by: Robin and Bob Young, Recipes, Recipes - Seafood, Sea Scallops, Seafood, Shell Fish, Shrimp, Slow Cooking, What's For Dinner?

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chanterelles, chicken wings, coconut rice, seafood, seafood stir fry

Such a good meal combination. No! Not all at once but over three days. The recipe for the chicken wings and the stir fry are listed permanently in the recipe file. The link to that file is at the top of this page. But for now, here is the link to the Shrimp, Scallop and Pineapple Stir Fry recipe and the recipe for the Robin’s Chicken Wings, that would be great at a Tailgate Party! Here is some information about chanterelle mushrooms –

Cantharellus cibarius, commonly known as the chanterelle, golden chanterelle or girolle, is a fungus. It is probably the best known species of the genus Cantharellus, if not the entire family of Cantharellaceae. It is orange or yellow, meaty and funnel-shaped. On the lower surface, underneath the smooth cap, it has gill-like ridges that run almost all the way down its stipe, which tapers down seamlessly from the cap. It emits a fruity aroma, reminiscent of apricots and a mildly peppery taste (hence its German name, Pfifferling) and is considered an excellent edible mushroom. Though records of chanterelles being eaten date back to the 16th century, they first gained widespread recognition as a culinary delicacy with the spreading influence of French cuisine in the 18th century, where they began appearing in palace kitchens. For many years, they remained notable for being served at the tables of nobility. Nowadays, the usage of chanterelles in the kitchen is common throughout Europe and North America. In 1836, the Swedish mycologist Elias Fries considered the chanterelle “as one of the most important and best edible mushrooms.”
Chanterelles as a group are generally described as being rich in flavor, with a distinctive taste and aroma difficult to characterize. Some species have a fruity odor, others a more woody, earthy fragrance, and still others can even be considered spicy. The golden chanterelle is perhaps the most sought-after and flavorful chanterelle, and many chefs consider it on the same short list of gourmet fungi as truffles and morels. It therefore tends to command a high price in both restaurants and specialty stores.
There are many ways to cook chanterelles. Most of the flavorful compounds in chanterelles are fat-soluble, making them good mushrooms to sauté in butter, oil or cream. They also contain smaller amounts of water- and alcohol-soluble flavorings, which lend the mushrooms well to recipes involving wine or other cooking alcohols. Many popular methods of cooking chanterelles include them in sautés, soufflés, cream sauces, and soups. They are not typically eaten raw, as their rich and complex flavor is best released when cooked.

Chanterelle Omelet with Fresh Chives, Sausage and Local Cantelope

Chanterelle Omelet
with
Fresh Chives, Sausage and Local Cantaloupe

Next meal, wonderful Seafood Stir Fry. Look at this!

Scallops, shrimp, celery, broccoli and pineapple in a wonderful stir fry. Here it is cooking.

Scallops, shrimp, celery, broccoli and pineapple in a wonderful stir fry. See the recipe and enjoy. Here it is cooking.

Shrimp, Scallop and Pineapple Stir Fry
Coconut Rice and Chow Mein Noodles

And finally, awesome tailgate fare with these chicken wings. (Recipe above) Don’t bypass marinating the wings for the 2 hours or so. Enjoy!

Chicken wings getting happy!

Sticky Marinated Chicken Wings Fresh Vegetable Mixture

Robin’s Chicken Wings
Fresh Raw Vegetable Mixture

Birthday Dinner at Alavita in Boise

18 Friday Sep 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in 4-Stars, Alavita, Arugula, Birthdays, Boise Adventures, Boise Restaurants, Buy Idaho, Chevre, Classic Cuisines, Cocktails, Comfort Food, Cooking Styles, Cream Sauces, Dessert, Dinner At Alavita, Dinner For Robin, Dinner Reviews with Robin, Dinner With Robin, Fennel, Feta Cheese, Food Photos, Green Salad, Homemade Pasta, Idaho's Bounty, Lobster, Locavore, Main Dish, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Restaurant Reviews, Restaurants To Try, Salads, Seafood, Shell Fish, Special Dinners, Things To Do, Vegetables, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food, Wines - Italian

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Alavita. Italian food, feta cheese, Heirloom Beets, Italian restaurant

September 17th will always be a special day – It is Robin’s Birthday. This year we celebrated the 43rd anniversary of her 29th birthday at Alavita, a good Italian restaurant. Actually a solid 4-Star Italian restaurant. On their webpage, they say, “ALAVITA is all about fresh pasta and local ingredients—from Agnolotti to Tortellini to Garganelli, Linguini to Pappardelle—created freshly every day. A restaurant whose name means “to life,” (Well actually two words– ‘alla’ ‘vita’ –that we put together to create one) ÀLAVITA is a great place for celebrating life with good friends and family alike.
What we believe: great food need not be too convoluted or overwrought, but rather fresh, uncomplicated, relatable and well executed in order to get out of the way of the local ingredients and find the pleasure in their innate flavors and qualities. In the vein of a traditional Italian osteria as a casual, local gathering place (An Italian Joint) to discover food, friends, wine, and creative libations, our menu reflects a new twist on Italian fare that is inspired by local, regional ingredients. As we do at Fork (Our big brother concept located next door by same creators), we firmly subscribe to our mantra of being ‘Loyal To Local.’” And they adhere to these words, rigorously. Enjoy these photos of our visit. We will return.

Robin enjoys her Birthday Dinner!

We have known Kerry, the Floor Manager, for many years – we go back to the Andrae days – and it is good to “find” her again.

The open kitchen area.

How about a

Barrel Aged ÀLAVITA
Crater Lake gin + St. Germain + sweet vermouth + bitters (aged for six weeks in charred oak bourbon barrels). Salute To Life!

Yummers, but drink it slow!

A good white wine goes with seafood.

Alois Lageder Riff Pinot Grigio (12.5%)… Veneto, Italy

Potato, Leek and Fennel Soup

Robin had this really very good soup as an appetizer.

I had a very good –

Heirloom Beet Salad
rainbow beets, shavel fennel, arugula, Rolling Stone goat cheese feta, toasted pistachios and champagne vinaigrette

Tuxedo’ Linguine {gf}... squid ink & orange zest infused linguine, ÀLAVITA clam sauce, chili flake & Manila clams

Tuxedo Linguine
squid ink and orange zest infused linguine, ÀLAVITA clam sauce, chili flake and Manila clams

Robin had this and the clams were so very fresh – gout la mer!

Black Ravioli... stuffed with West coast lobster & fontina, butter poached shrimp & lemon-fennel-thyme infused local Cloverleaf cream sauce

Black Ravioli
stuffed with West coast lobster and fontina, butter poached shrimp and lemon-fennel-thyme infused local Cloverleaf cream sauce

I had this and basically, I would get it agin. But I did not get much lobster flavor.

Robin’s Birthday Cake. Kerry had this done for her.

ÀLAVITA Tiramisu
espresso lady fingers, Grand Marnier and orange zest

I finished with a

Dark Chocolate Mousse
hazelnut cream + crushed vanilla-maple spiced hazelnuts

Sinful!

Great Visit to Capitol Cellars

26 Wednesday Aug 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in 4-Stars, Beef, Boise Adventures, Capitol Cellars, Dinner With Friends, Dinner With Robin, Food Photos, Idaho Beef, Idaho Chefs, Idaho Greens, Idaho Lamb, Idaho Polenta Floriani, Idaho Potatoes, Idaho Wine, Lamb, Photos By: Bob Young, Seafood, Shell Fish, Shrimp, Special Dinners, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food, Wines - Idaho, Wines - Washington

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Capitol Cellars, lamb, seafood, shrimp

Really a good visit tonight to the newly opened – March 2015 – of Capitol Cellars at 5th and Main Streets in Boise in the Belgravia Building. (There is also an AirBNB in the building, Belgravia AirBNB.) The ambiance is like entering a “wine cave”. Dim lights; cool air and wonderful Waite Staff. In certain sections of the restaurant, it is like sitting in a wine cellar – because you really are! I have placed a permanent link in the sidebar of this blog so you can contact them, make reservations or check their manu. Definitely a 4-Star (out of 5-Stars) restaurant. My only comments about the food is that the risotto seemed to be a little gummy – undercooked. The crispy fries were not really as crispy as I had expected. I expected more of a twice fried Belgium style potato. Here are some photos from our visit. Enjoy! It is great to see that they use Idaho products and produce as much as possible. This would be a great Date Night restaurant or Special Occasion.

The entrance at 5th and Main in the Belgrade Building.

The entrance at 5th and Main in the Belgravia Building.

Part of the main dining room.

The wine cellar.

Wine cellar ambiance.

Shoup Pernod Shrimp
garlic, shallot, basil, Pernod cream sauce

Cheese plate
specialty artisan and local cheeses, fruit, spiced nuts, port-fig jam, imported olives, baguette & crackers

Borah Burger
Idaho Kobe beef, fresh mozzarella, basil, tomato, balsamic reduction, roasted garlic aioli, brioche bun

Risotto

The Senator’s Prime Rib
Idaho-northwest raised beef, Idaho bake potato, warm horseradish sauce, au jus

Pete’s Idaho Lamb Shank
Lava Lake Lamb. goat cheese polenta, seasonal vegetable, natural jus

Logan Smyser, Director of Operations, shows us how to use a sabre to remove the top of a champagne bottle.

Breakfast and Dinner

21 Tuesday Jul 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in Acme Bake Shop, Acme Bake Shop Sourdough, Baking, Braising, Breakfast, Breakfast At The Captains Shack, Breakfast With Robin, Buy Idaho, Capers, Captain's Shack, Dinner For Robin, Dinner With Robin, Eggs, Eggs Baked, Food Photos, Green Salad, Greens, Homemade Lox, Homemade Pasta, Local Farmers Markets, Local Harvests, Local Markets, Lox, Meadowlark Farms, Onion, Pasta, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Recipe by: Robin and Bob Young, Recipes, Recipes - Breakfast, Recipes - Dinner, Sea Scallops, Seafood, Shaved Fennel, Shaved Onion, Shell Fish, Sourdough Bread, Vegetables, What's For Dinner?

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eggplant, fennel, fresh pasta, Scallops, squash

Fun times, again, in the kitchen! Fun making our own pasta, and better than some of the store bought “stuff”. Pasta dishes can take all forms and so can breakfast. Here we made two different breakfasts – two days – and a really good pasta dinner. Let’s look at breakfast first. Left-Click any of these photos to see enlarged.

Eggs in Pockets

Spray cup cake pan with Pam. Shave – slice thin -potatoes and line cups. Bake off to lightly brown at 350 degrees F. Scramble several eggs and add whatever you want to the mix. Pour into cups. Bake at 350 degrees F until eggs are set. Remove from oven and cool. Remove Pockets and serve.

Eggs in Potato Pockets
Fresh Peaches and Blueberries

Lox and cream Cheese cream cheese, red lettuce, shaved onion, capers, homemade lox

Homemade Lox and Cream Cheese
Acme Bake Shop Sourdough Bread, cream cheese, red lettuce, shaved red onion, sliced tomato, homemade lox, capers

Here is the recipe for Robin’s Homemade Lox. In the photo above, I added fennel fronds to the process in the refrigerator. You can add any herb you wish.