Cocktail party- best make-ahead use of crab?

[Cate]

I bought some fresh crab (1/2 pound) this morning to make something for a cocktail party at my apartment tomorrow. I would prefer to have the cooking done ahead of time, as the oven makes the place a bit toasty. Any suggestions? Thanks!
(By the way, there is a somewhat intruiging recipe on epicurious for a crab and mushroom "cheesecake." If any chowhounders have made it, I would love to hear your thoughts)

[TexasToast]

Crab stuffed mushrooms. Very simple. Breadcrumbs, parsley, crab, salt, pepper.

Serve either warm, or at room temp.

TT

[Val]

There is also the retro recipe of a crabmeat and Old English cheese mixture (with other ingredients) spread on English muffins, quartered into wedges, frozen, and then baked just before serving which is still a delicious recipe.

[jcmods]

I once made this Emeril recipe from his "party" book. People really ate it up. I wouldn't make it too far ahead because it should be warm, but it does need to rest a bit.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recip...

[DanaB]

There is a recipe on Epicurious for Alaskan King Crab "Nachos" which is really good, and which can be made ahead. It's not really nachos-- it actually has a little bit of an asian flair -- basically wonton shells filled with avocado, crab and a little wasabi. It's a fun presentation and tasty to boot.

Here's the link to the recipe:

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/rec...

[DGresh]

That's funny; this has become a "signature" recipe of mine, but I didn't even realize that I'd changed it originally to shrimp and never looked back (I must have gotten it from B.A. or Gourmet many years ago). It is ALWAYS a hit with the shrimp, and I'm sure would be with crab as well.

[Candy]

The crab and artichoke dip at Epicurious is delicious served warm or at room temperature. We had it at a cocktail party last fall and I think it was the first thing that disappeared. I think there were some who wished they could lick the bowl.

[rumgum]

Cold option = crab dip or Hot option = mini crab cakes. Both can be made a day in advance. Serve the crab dip in fancy crackers or make lettuce cups with butter lettuce onr endive leaves. Fry the crab cakes the day of though. they shouldn't take that long to fry if it's small enough. Let it rest out of the fridge for at least 30 min to bring down to room temp so your cakes won't be ice cold when you fry. Have fun!

[monkeyrotica]

I made crab stuffed prawns wrapped in bacon and marinated in bourbon and ginger ale for a party. Prepped them the night before, slipped them on the grill. They were gone in minutes.

[Hungry Celeste]

Crabmeat cheesecake rocks: here's a great recipe from the Palace Cafe in New Orleans. This dish is delicious...
http://www.neworleansonline.com/newor...

[pikawicca]

This looks wonderful! Anyone know what "Creole cream cheese" might be?