Puffing Crab

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons flour

1 cup hot milk

3 egg yolks, beaten

½ cup mayonnaise (such as Hellman s®)

1 pound fresh crabmeat

salt and pepper, to taste

1 pinch cayenne pepper

¼ teaspoon Old Bay® seasoning

3 egg whites, stiffly beaten

1 dash paprika

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Butter a 1-1/2 quart baking dish.

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour and cook about 5 minutes (reduce heat if mixture begins to brown). Slowly whisk in the hot milk and heat until mixture reaches a low boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and allow to cool at least 5 minutes (otherwise eggs will cook when added to the mixture).

Stir the beaten egg yolks into the cooled sauce. Blend in the mayonnaise. Add the crabmeat and season with salt, pepper, cayenne, and Old Bay® seasoning if using. Gently fold in the beaten egg whites. Pour into prepared baking dish. Dust with paprika.

Bake until browned and puffy, about 20 minutes. Serve immediately.