Rather than the simplicity of whole cooked shrimp dipped in cocktail sauce, a typical crab cocktail appetizer involves multiple ingredients with an artful presentation, often using layering effects.

Store in the refrigerator. This pickle will keep for five days. For the cocktail: Place the picked crab meat in a medium sized mixing bowl. Add the mayonnaise, crème fraiche, hot sauce ...

Set aside. Mix the lobster or crab meat with about 5 tablespoons of the sauce and toss well to make sure it’s thoroughly mixed. Divide the lettuce leaves between the two dishes. Place a pile of ...