Step 1

In a saute pan over low heat, melt the butter.

Step 2

Add the celery and onion. Stir and sweat the vegetables until tender – about 10 minutes. Don’t let the vegetables brown. If they begin to brown, add a tablespoon of water to the pan.

Step 3

Pour in the cream and increase the heat to medium.

Step 4

Simmer, stirring often for 5 minutes or until the cream is reduced and very thick.

Step 5

Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside to cool.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream mixture, mustard, pimento, 3 tablespoons of bread crumbs, lemon zest, salt, white pepper, and egg.

Step 7

Add the crab meat and toss gently to evenly mix. Don’t break up the chunks of crab.

Step 8

Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts.

Step 9

In a shallow dish, add the remaining 1 ¼ cups bread crumbs. Spread into an even layer.

Step 10

With your hands, make 2 equal patties from each quarter of the crab mixture.

Step 11

The crab mixture will be moist and loose.

Step 12

Place the crab patty into the breadcrumbs and scoop the bread crumbs around and on top of the crab patty.

Step 13

Use a spatula to gently turn the patty over and pat breadcrumbs over the other side.

Step 14

Carefully lift the breaded crab patty to a small baking sheet that has been lined with foil or parchment paper.

Step 15

Repeat with the remaining crab mixture. You should have 8 small patties.

Step 16

Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and chill for at least one hour and preferably 2 hours.

Step 17

Meanwhile make the tartar sauce.

Step 18

In a food processor, combine the capers, cornichons, parsley, chives, and thyme.

Step 19

Pulse to chop, but not puree the ingredients.

Step 20

Add the mayonnaise and garlic and pulse until just combined.

Step 21

Spoon the mixture into a small mixing bowl.

Step 22

Fold in the avocado, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Step 23

Taste and adjust the seasonings.

Step 24

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour before serving.

Step 25

To cook the crab cakes:

Step 26

In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and vegetable oil together.

Step 27

Gently slide the crab cakes into the pan.

Step 28

Cook for 10 minutes until the crab cake is golden on the bottom and feels a little more firm.

Step 29

Carefully use a spatula to turn the crab cake and brown the other side for 8-10 minutes until golden.

Step 30

Remove the crab cakes and place 2 on each dinner plate.

Step 31

Top with 1 teaspoon of tartar sauce on each crab cake and serve the remaining sauce on the side.

Step 32

Serve hot.