Makes8 servings (makes about 1 1/2 cups)
                    
                
                
                    
                        
                            - Active time: 25 min
Total time: 2 1/2 hr 
                        
                    
                
             
            
                
                    
                    The delicate sweetness of Alaskan king crab is front and center in this easy-to-make appetizer. The crab legs come already cooked and need only be cracked to extract the pink-flecked succulent meat.
                
 
            
            
                
                
                
    
      
  
                
                
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
                
                    
                    
                    
                        
                            INGREDIENTS:
                            
                            
                                
                                    
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                                            1
                                            
                                            pound frozen Alaskan king crab legs (about 2), thawed
                                            
                                        
 
                                    
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                                            8
                                            
                                            tablespoons (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
                                            
                                        
 
                                    
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                                            1 1/2
                                            
                                            tablespoons medium-dry Sherry
                                            
                                        
 
                                    
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                                            1/8
                                            
                                            teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 
                                            
                                        
 
                                    
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                                            1/8
                                            
                                            teaspoon cayenne
                                            
                                        
 
                                    
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                                            1
                                            
                                            tablespoon finely chopped chives
                                            
                                        
 
                                    
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                                            1/2 to 1
                                            
                                            teaspoon lemon juice (to taste)
                                            
                                        
 
                                    
                                
                            
                         
                    
                 
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
                
                    
                    
                    
                        
                            
                        
                            
                                INSTRUCTIONS:
                                
                                
                                    
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Crack crab shells with kitchen shears and extract meat. Cut enough crab into 1/2-inch pieces to measure 1/2 cup and transfer to a bowl.
                                         
                                    
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Pulse remaining crab in a food processor to finely chop (do not over process.).
                                         
                                    
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Add to bowl with remaining ingredients and stir well. Season with salt to taste.
                                         
                                    
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Pack into a 1 1/2 cup crock or bowl and cover surface with plastic wrap.
                                         
                                    
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Chill at least 2 hours. Bring to room temperature before serving.
                                         
                                    
                                
                             
                        
                            
                                COOKS’ NOTES:
                                
                                
                                    
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The potted crab can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and kept chilled, but don’t forget to allow time (about 1 hour) to bring it to room temperature before serving.
                                         
                                    
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Baguette slices can be toasted 1 day ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature.