Crab boil spices
In the USA the commercial "Old Bay" seasoning is widely used to flavour water in which crabs lobsters shrimps or crayfish are cooked. It is also sprinkled over plain fish which is to be steamed poached or baked.
This version of Crab Boil Spices originally came from Gourmet magazine but has been slightly adapted by me with the addition of paprika. The spices must be ground in either a blender or coffee grinder until the texture forms a coarse powder. In a well-sealed jar crab boil spices will keep for several months. The following must be ground up and combined:
Ingredients
4tbs pickling spice
3tbs mustard seed (yellow)
3tbs whole black peppercorns
1tbs (round generous) celery seeds
3tbs dried red chilli pepper flakes
1tbs ground ginger
10 dried bay leaves
1tbs dried oregano
2tbs (level) minced dried chives
1tbs paprika
4tbs coarse sea salt