Beer Batter Soft Shell Crabs

Ingredients:
3/4 cup unbleached flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. Old Bay or other seafood seasoning
1 egg
3/4 cup beer
12 soft shell crabs 
oil

Instructions:
Combine flour, egg, salt, Old Bay and mix well.  Add beer and let stand for 2-3 hours. In a large skillet, deep fryer, or pot heat oil to 375º.  Dip crabs in batter and drop into oil one at a time.  Fry to golden brown and remove to drain on paper towels.

Deep Fried Soft Shell Crabs

A plate of these don't last long!

Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. paprika
1 twelve ounce can beer, allowed to go flat
6 large soft shell crabs, cleaned
oil for frying

Instructions:
Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl.  Stir in the beer, mix until well blended.  Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.  Heat oil in deep fat fryer or pot to 375°.  Dust the prepared crabs with flour, then coat with the batter.  Slip carefully into the hot fat.  Fry only 1 or 2 at a time so oil does not cool off.  Fry until golden brown, drain on paper towels and serve immediately.  Serves 3 to 6.
Courtesy Chesapeake Bay Cookbook