My mother had a hand in so many things as we were growing up. She created large format Mosaic Murals for the Unitarian church we went to when I was a child. The murals  were created with found objects, many as I recall from days wandering along the beach looking for seashells and driftwood. I remember the sense of pride I experienced when the murals were complete and hung decoratively along the hallway as you entered the church. My sisters and I inherited our mothers interest in creative projects of one kind or another and the stained glass piece to the left is an example of sister # 3’s handiwork. One of the things about travel is that you can compare and contrast the beauty of one place and another. My experience with the Pacific Ocean of the American Northwest West is clearly symbolized by the Clam. No question. My first  memories and food recollections the Mighty Atlantic are just as clearly symbolized by the Chesapeake Bay and the Crab.  Once we had settled down in Maryland, the family began taking regularly site seeing trips, Monticello, Williamsburg, in Washington D.C. the Smithsonian Institute, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Memorial. The first of these trips was to the Chesapeake Bay and there I met the Crab roll. Creamy crab salad heaped onto a buttered, toasted hot dog bun is the essential summer sandwich in northeastern shore towns. This was my introduction to the east coast. The sights, sounds are to this taste memory. It was a beautiful, clear day. We had traveled just far enough and piled out of the car onto a pier somewhere at the Chesapeake Bay. As the seagulls swirled and dove we walked along the pier. Once just the right food cart was chosen, the order was placed and we waited with anticipation as we knew the promise of ocean fresh. We were not disappointed. Wandering the beach looking for seashells and driftwood reminded us of home when all the while we were having a new experience. Learning how to be at home in the world was beginning. Here are the basics from which many wonderful taste opportunities await.

Suggested ingredients- needless to say always the best you can find. It’s not easy these days I know.

6 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

3/4 pound fresh crabmeat, picked over

3 tablespoons finely chopped green onions

1 tablespoon (1/8 stick) butter, room temperature

4 hot dog buns, sides split open

Lettuce/tomato optional