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Softshell Crabs with Tarragon Sauce

• 4 small or 3 large softshell crabs, cleaned
• flour for dredging
• salt and pepper to taste
• oil for frying
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped shallots
• ½ teaspoon vinegar
• ¼ cup white wine
• 2 branches fresh tarragon, finely chopped (1/2 teaspoon dried)
• 2 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped (pinch dried)
• 2 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped (1/4 teaspoon dried)
• 2 fresh oregano leaves, chopped (1/4 teaspoon dried)

Combine flour, salt and pepper and coat crabs with mixture, shaking off excess. Heat oil in a skillet, add crabs and saute until golden. Drain and keep warm.

Pour off oil from skillet. Add butter, shallots, vinegar and wine and beat with a wire whisk over low heat until mixture becomes creamy. Stir in tarragon, sage, basil and oregano. Pour sauce over crabs and serve immediately.

Serves 1.