Crispy on the outside, moist and tender on the inside, these spicy crab cakes are served with a simple roasted red pepper sauce.

Spicy Crab Cakes with Red Pepper Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, peeled and minced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 teaspoons dried mustard
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 pound crab meat, flaked
1 cup bread crumbs - divided use
1 1/4 cups mayonnaise - divided use
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers
1 tablespoon lemon juice

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery. Sauté until soft, about 6 minutes. Add dried mustard and cayenne. Mix well and sauté 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
2. In large bowl, combine onion mixture, crabmeat, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, egg, salt and pepper . Mix well and form into 8 patties about 1/2-inch thick. Coat each patty with additional bread crumbs.
3. Heat about 1/4-inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot add patties in batches and fry until golden, about 3 minutes per side. Drain patties on paper towels. Cover and place in a warm oven. Serve with red pepper sauce.
4. To make sauce: Combine 1 cup mayonnaise, roasted red peppers and lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.

Makes 8 servings.