Alaska King Crab in a Warm Lemon-Cilantro Sabayon

Instructions

1. Step 1 Start the sabayon

   Choose a medium-sized stainless steel mixing bowl and a saucepan on which it will sit. Fill the saucepan with about 2 inches of water. When the bowl rests on the pan, the bottom should not touch the water. Bring the water to a boil. Prepare a large bowl filled with ice water and set it to the side. Whisk the egg yolks with the vermouth, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and cayenne in the mixing bowl. Place it over the boiling water and whisk vigorously until the sabayon becomes very thick and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Plunge the bowl into the larger bowl filled with ice water, and whisk until the sabayon is cold to the touch.

2. Step 2 Finish the sabayon and refrigerate

   In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks, then whisk it into the sabayon. Stir in the cilantro. Refrigerate the sabayon in a covered container until you are ready to finish the dish. It will keep up to a day.

3. Step 3 Prepare the crab meat

   Twist and separate the sections of crab legs at the joints while pulling out the long pieces of cartilage that run into the adjacent sections. Using kitchen shears, cut the shells open and remove the leg meat. Pick the body meat from the sections of crab at the base of the legs. Pat the crabmeat dry on paper towels. You should have at least 12 ounces.

4. Step 4 Prepare the baking dish(es)

   Choose 8 individual gratin dishes or ramekins, or one small shallow baking dish. Brush the inside of the dish or dishes with melted butter. Arrange the crabmeat in the dishes, breaking the large pieces apart if necessary to fit. Brush the crabmeat with melted butter, cover the dishes, and refrigerate until almost ready to serve.

5. Step 5 Bake, broil and serve

   Preheat the oven to 300F with the oven rack in the upper third. Bake the dish(es) of crabmeat, uncovered, until just warm, 7-8 minutes. Remove from the oven and turn the boiler on high. Spoon the sabayon over the crabmeat. Broil until the top of the sauce is nicely browned. Serve right away with slices of crusty baguette.