SIMPLE AND SINFUL CRAB AU GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 200C/400°F.
• Flake the white crabmeat and combine with the brown crabmeat in a bowl and set aside.
• Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, whisking for one minute. In a separate pan, gently heat the double cream.
• Remove the butter and flour mixture from the heat and whisk in the heated cream. Return to the heat, gently bring to a boil, then simmer, whisking for a minute or two until thickened.
• Add three quarters of the cheese, the cayenne and paprika and two-thirds of the crab. Season with a little bit of salt and freshly ground pepper.
• Divide the remaining crabmeat between six ramekins. Top with the creamy crab and cheese mixture, and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
• Place the ramekins onto a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until bubbling hot and golden.
• Serve the crab au gratin with triangles of toasted fresh bread or rounds of ciabatta and a simple green herb salad.