True Confession
I must confess, I haven’t made this recipe. At least not yet. But I researched ‘best’ crab cakes, read some reviews and blogs, and I chose this for dinner tonight. I’ll have to post an update later, so please check my Facebook page.
In the meantime, I’m waiting for a tried-and-true recipe from an old friend whom I haven’t seen in years. We formerly lived in the same neighborhood, and our kids were best friends. We talked about church, kids, and food all the time, and I remember her often saying she was making crab cakes for dinner. I wasn’t much for seafood back then, but I’m a bit more adventurous now. I know this post is about Capt’n Jack, but my friend was the inspiration behind the foster care woman in another book, my novelette, Essential Ingredients. It’s a quick read, and you can get a free download of it here on my website, or if you prefer paperback, it’s up on Amazon. I think you’ll enjoy it.
A Complicated Character
In many ways, Capt’n Jack was one of my favorites. Well, to be honest with you, all of my Bay Town personalities are. I guess that’s why I wrote them! But this guy grips my heart, and in the few scenes, I gave him…this minor character steals the spotlight.
Capt’n Jack is much like a young man we knew but haven’t seen in many, many years. This man suffered mental illness, and we experienced some of his journey as it spiraled to homelessness. My husband counseled him many times as he showed up on our doorstep. We invited him to dinner when he popped in, and I cried buckets the night someone called the police on him, and he ran to our house for refuge. In this instance, he was innocent. Seeing him handcuffed on our curb before they took him away was unbearable. Nothing my husband could say in his defense could deter the police. Although they were kind, gracious, and respectful, he was taken in for observation, for his own protection. My daughter saw him on the streets, acting a little strange only days later. I’ve never ceased to pray for this man, and I look forward to God working his deliverance one day. God’s way, God’s timing.
The Fisherman
Back to Capt’n Jack. Here’s a hint, that’s not his real name, but I do reveal where he gets the nickname. Anyway, he lives on the docks, down on the pier, in his boat. He sets traps for lobsters and crabs and usually gives away more than he sells. He dishes out his wisdom without abandon, sometimes offending the recipients. Capt’n Jack is the son of a pastor, and his mother died when he was young. Being raised by a single father, he hit the teen years, experiencing more than the typical angst. In sharing about his own pastor father with Pastor Desmond, Capt’n Jack explains himself. “He died, and I went nuts.”
In Shattered Guilt, you’ll experience Capt’n Jack’s lucid moments, as well as the uncomfortable ones that many of us feel when we’re around those who suffer mental illness. Either way, they are our acquaintances, friends, and family members, and although they are complex, as are all God’s people, they are worth investing our love, time, and help. But most importantly, sharing the love of Jesus.
Dinner Tonight
So, this afternoon, I’m picking up a lb. of fresh lump crab and will give this recipe a try. I’ve been told, you can use imitation crab, which is the fish called pollack, if you don’t eat shellfish. Here’s the link:
https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/maryland-crab-cakes/
We have a local fish market close by in Dana Point Harbor that sells live crabs and lobsters! Once my son’s family brought two live lobsters to my husband for father’s day. Our grandson was so excited. I couldn’t watch or be present when they cooked them. That’s another story that I won’t share!
What’s on the menu for tomorrow?
Once again, I’ll introduce you to yet another intriguing personality: Tina, Melanie’s vibrant, spirited neighbor. Everyone loves Tina, and she’s all about presentation. I’ve personally made her recipe when entertaining crowds, and to great acclaim, I might add. Please join me here when we make one of Tina’s Canapé specialties.