Old Bay Seasoning

Old Bay Seasoning dates back to 1939, Baltimore, Maryland. The spice was a "secret" mixture concocted by German immigrant Gustav Brunn. Today Old Bay seasoning is used in many crab recipes from a basic crab boil to specialty crab cakes. The product is available at most grocery stores as well as online.

If you don't have Old Bay Seasoning you can make your own substitute:

• Combine 1 tablespoon celery salt, 3 whole bay leaves, 3/4 teaspoon brown mustard seeds, 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns, 10 allspice berries, 10 whole cloves and 1/2 teaspoon paprika.  Grind mixture in mortar and pestle or coffee grinder.  Store in a tightly sealed jar.
• OR - Use equal amounts of crab boil