The return of hot, summer weather to Maryland means many things to me, but one of my favorite summer traditions is sitting down to eat some delicious Maryland Blue crabs.

Pounding crabs is as Maryland as one can get.  It’s more identifiable with the state than the Preakness, the Orioles, Ocean City, or National Bohemian beer (or “Natty –Boh” for those of you not in the know).

Don’t get me wrong, I like all types of seafood.

Mussels?  Sure.

Oysters?  Love ‘em.

Lobster?  Yes, please.

But there is something inherently different about pounding crabs.

Feasting on crabs is more than a way to gain nourishment.  It’s a communal activity.  One can’t just sit down alone and pound out a half dozen “ones” (the largest blue crab size designation) in 10 minutes.

No, no, no.

It takes time.

It must be savored.  Free up an afternoon or evening.  It is best done in a group setting – outside – with a large pitcher of cold draft beer – on a table covered in newspaper or brown butcher paper – with wooden mallets and small, pointy knives to get that sweet meat out of all of those nooks and crannies.

No cell phones, no laptops, no tablets.  Just sitting around a long table piled high with steamed crabs, laughing and talking with family and friends, the heaps of Old Bay seasoning getting into every crevice and cut in your fingers.   The “ahhhh, look at that” exclamation when you dig out an extra-large chunk of back-fin meat, then lovingly dip it into some melted butter or malt vinegar before closing your eyes and relishing in the savory mouthful, eager to dig into that shell again for more of its sweet treasure.

Everyone at the table has their own style of picking a crab – and for them, it’s the right way (but they’ll be more than happy to show you how they do it).  There’s no judgement at the crab table.  The kids are trying their hand at it as well, beating the claws into submission while trying to learn the art of cracking the shell without destroying the meat inside.

If you are tired of having family and friends who are constantly “plugged in” to technology and are ready to spend some time with folks who AREN’T looking down into their laps at their phones while at the table, then take my advice.

Go outside.  Get a picnic table.  Cover it in with paper.  Toss some mallets in a bucket.  Fill up a cooler with cheap beer, then buy a half-bushel or bushel of crabs and either steam them yourself or buy them already prepared.

Now put the word out.  Trust me, it won’t take much work to fill the table with people.

When you dump those beautiful crustaceans onto the board and that first whiff of Old Bay spice fills the air, the smiles of anticipation all around will let you know you made a wise choice.

Enjoy the conversation.

Enjoy each other’s company.

Enjoy the crabs.

You can thank me later.