Instructions

In a bowl combine the goat cheese, pine nuts, basil, shallots, garlic, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon olive oil, and blend with a wooden spoon until smooth. Makes 1/2 cup stuffing mixture.
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Place the crabs belly-up on a flat surface. Lift the side of a crab to expose the underside of the shell (there is a natural pocket under the point of the shell). Spoon 1 tablespoon of the stuffing mixture into each of these pockets, with a total of 2 tablespoons per crab.
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Prepare the Pesto Cream, and keep warm.
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Combine the flour with the Creole Seasoning and dredge the crabs in the mixture.
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Heat the remaining 1/4 cup oil in a large skillet over high heat and sautÈ the crabs (shell side down first) until golden brown, for about 2 1/2 minutes on each side.
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To serve, spread 1/3 cup of the Pesto Cream on each of 4 plates and top with a crab.
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Yield: 4 main-course servings