Up Country Recipe

Prepare seafood and vegetables

Rinse shrimp and set aside. Scrub clams or mussels and discard any that don’t close when tapped. Wash potatoes and keep whole if small (or halve larger ones). Cut corn into 3–4 pieces and slice andouille into 1/2-inch rounds. If using snow crab clusters, thaw fully and pat dry; set aside to add toward the end of the boil.

Build the boil

In a very large stockpot (8–12 quart) add water, bay leaves, Old Bay (or seafood boil seasoning), peppercorns, kosher salt, smashed garlic cloves, and the halved lemons (squeeze one half into the pot, then toss both halves in). Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.

Cook potatoes and sausage

Once the water is boiling, carefully add the potatoes. Boil for 10 minutes. Add the sliced andouille sausage and continue boiling for 5 minutes.

Add corn and shellfish

Add the corn pieces and clams/mussels to the pot. Continue boiling for 5–7 minutes, until potatoes are tender and shellfish have opened (discard any that remain closed).

Finish with crab and shrimp

If using snow crab clusters, add them now and boil 3 minutes to heat through. Add the shrimp and boil 2–3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook shrimp; they cook quickly.

Turn off heat. Using a large slotted spoon or drain basket, lift the cooked ingredients from the pot and drain well.

Toss with butter and herbs

Place drained seafood, potatoes, corn, and sausage in a large serving pan or on a newspaper-lined table. Drizzle with melted butter, sprinkle with chopped parsley and an extra pinch of Old Bay if desired. Toss gently to coat.

Plate with sides

Serve immediately with lemon wedges, a side of coleslaw (about 1 cup per serving), and hush puppies (6 per order). Provide small bowls of melted butter and hot sauce or cayenne for dipping/seasoning.

Optional: serving presentation

For a rustic presentation, spread out on butcher paper or newspaper, group ingredients in clusters (potatoes, corn, sausage, shellfish). Place crab clusters prominently. Provide crab crackers and picks if clusters are included.