The Dishwasher Chef

So just before the new year I was talking to friend and we were discussing what was up for the holiday. My friend(name withheld for their protection) starts telling me about the lineup of food they were cooking. It was the usual staple of New Years food stuff including stuffed mushrooms, a spiked punch, buffalo wings, a variety of salads and one more item that I wasn't sure I had heard correctly. All I heard the first time was crab legs. And I said to myself, "Self, this sounds great maybe we'll stop by and dig on some food and hang out". Then I realized that what she was talking about was Alaskan King Cab legs. But the cooking method was what I was having trouble believing I was hearing. The method? The dishwasher. I kid you not. I was taken aback. Did she really just say she was going to cook the crab legs in the dishwasher? Yes she did. And she goes on to explain how and where she had heard of this as I just sit there with a blank look on my face. The dishwasher?!?!? Now at this point I am convinced she is just messing with my head on purpose but as she continues talking I come to the conclusion that she is dead serious. And so I try to wrap my brain around this idea. I love to cook and this conversation was beginning to irritate me a little. How can you take high dollar, delicious food and do something as sacreligious as cook your crabs in the dishwasher? 

Well she did it and they came out great. And this has inspired me to delve a little deeper into the growing "Dishwasher Chef" phenomenon/ culture. Check back frequently for any new recipes added to the Dishwasher Chef Cookbook or anything remotely interesting that might end up on this blog.

Alaskan King Crab Legs  a la Dishwasher

*************************************

3 Lbs. Alaskan King Crab Legs

1 Box Old Bay Seasoning

2 sticks of Unsalted Butter

2 Lemons

1. Sterilize Dishwasher by running a cycle with nothing in it. Put it on the heavy duty cycle to get it extra clean. 

2. Next, prepare the crab legs by taking them out of the freezer and separating the best you can without breaking any of the shell and exposing the meat. 

3. Then, open the Old Bay spice and empty the box into the soap container of the Dishwasher (I know what you're thinking, JUST DO IT) and close the lid. 

4. Now, pull out the TOP RACK and arrange the crab legs in the rack so that the reddish side of the legs is up and the whiter side is down facing the bottom of the Dishwasher. 

5. The easiest part of this recipe is the actual cooking, as you will find most of the Dishwasher Chef recipes. Just close the washer and turn on. Now you won't need to do the extra long(heavy duty) cycle since the crab legs are already cooked we just need to heat them up. So set the Dishwasher to the quickest cycle and you should have some great legs in a few minutes. 

6. While the crab legs are cooking you can prepare the drawn butter by melting it in a small pot. Keep warm on low heat after it is meted but do not "cook" (no bubbles). 

7. Cut the lemon into wedges for easy squeezing. 

7. Make sure to stop and take out the crab legs before the drying cycle begins or they will be overdone. Serve with drawn butter and lemon. 

8. Remember to run a cycle again after cooking to clean the Dishwasher thoroughly. 

9. Enjoy.