Did you know that Thomas Jefferson was the first American to write a recipe for ice cream? Did you know that Mrs. Hill’s New Cook Book was the major southern cookbook published in the aftermath of the Civil War?  If not, you definitely need to read American Food Writing: An Anthology With Classic Recipes.  This is an excellent collection of essays, anecdotes, and recipes that span over three centuries (and yes, some of the old recipes aren’t too bad either!).  There is really interesting chapter on the thirteen course meal (I am still trying to figure out how to eat that much and can you imagine the dishes?!?).  There are more than 50 recipes that range from vintage (like the Thomas Jefferson’s ice cream recipe) to modern (like Lady Bird’s Pedernales Chili). Some surprising authors that are included in here are Nathaniel Hawthorne, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Walt Whitman, Thomas Wolfe, Willa Cather, and Langston Hughes.  Who knew they all were interested in food?  Chefs and critics discuss culinary philosophies and offer advice on the finer points of techniques too. This is a must have for all foodies.

Anybody who watches the Deadliest Catch is well versed in the Alaskan King Crab (I know I am).  However, if you don’t watch the show, I have some interesting information for you regarding the alaskan king crabs.

1.  They are an excellent source of protein.
2. They low in calories.
3. Alaska leads all the states with over $1 Billion in the annual value of fish caught.  However, when buying online, you do need to be careful.  A lot of online shops tell you they are sending you Alaskan king crab, and you are really buying Russian Red King Crab.
4. Around 40 species of king crab are known.
5. 10 crab species are fished for in Alaska.
6. The largest of king crab can grow a leg span of 6 feet across and weigh over 20 pounds.
7. Females are smaller in size.
8. The average weight is 6 to 10 pounds, but king crab can grow to more than 20 pounds.
9. King crabs have only six legs.
10. When cooked, Alaskan red king crab will turn a fire red color.
11. King crab can live from 10 to 20 years.
12. King crab fishing takes place during the winter months of October through January.
13. Fresh king crab has a shelf life of 5-7 days.
14. Adult king crab eat worms, clams, mussels, snails, brittle stars, sea stars, sea urchins, sand dollars, barnacles, fish parts, and algae.
15. The texture and flavor of Alaskan king crab legs is more delicate and softer in appearance compared to other crab species.

Did you learn something today about King Alaskan Crab that you didn’t know before? I know I did!