Bacon Wrapped Fake Crab Legs Topped With Smoked Gouda

 

 

 

OK, so food photography isn't my strong suit, but this recipe makes for a fairly cheap and tasty appetizer or meal. It may not be something a basic cook wants to tackle, however, it's worth a try if you're up to it.

 

 

 

You'll need:

 

 

A one pound package of fake crab legs. Kroger had these on sale for $3.99.

 

 

A one pound package of regular sliced bacon. (You can get this on sale for $3.50 at many stores.)

(You'll have some bacon left over. A 12 oz. package would probably be sufficient, come to think of it.)

 

A 3"-4" diameter wheel of smoked Gouda. (remove the wax rind) Slice it about as thick as a slice of process American cheese food.

 

 

A deep fryer, about 8 skewers cut to fit into the fryer basket, scissors to cut the bacon and a sharp knife, plus a couple of plates to put the crab nuggets on.

 

 

You may have seen the bacon wrapped faux crab legs at your favorite Chinese buffet. Those are generally baked. This version is deep fried.

 

 

First, cut the fake crab legs into thirds. Then take your scissors and cut your bacon strips just long enough to wrap around the crab leg piece once. Skewer the bacon wrapped crab piece so that they are close together but not touching--you'll want the oil to circulate. (They will puff up a bit when fried)

 

 



 

Pre heat your deep fryer to at least 350 degrees, but not over 360 degrees. Take two completed skewers and place them in the fry basket, then place the basket into the oil. Fry them for two minutes, turn them over and cook for an additional 30 seconds or so. Remove from fryer and place on paper towel lined plate to drain.

 

 

Keeping the nuggets of love on the skewers, pre heat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a cookie sheet/baking pan with aluminium foil. Place skewers on the baking pan and top with a slice of smoked Gouda that's just large enough to cover each delicious nugget of bacon wrapped fake crab.

 

 



 

Place in the oven on the second rack from the top and cook for 4-5 minutes. Turn oven off and allow the cheese to melt thoroughly. Remove and enjoy. Total cost is about ten bucks. It will make appetizers for around ten people or feed three if used as a meal. If you want a more filling meal, serve on top of a pillow of buttered rice.