PREPARATION:

1. In a large bowl, combine water, beer, vinegar, Old Bay, salt, cayenne pepper and bay leaves. Using? a very large pot with a rack and a tight-fitting lid, place half the crabs, new potatoes, asparagus, and garlic on the rack and then pour half of the seasoning mixture over the top. Add the remaining crabs and the rest of the seasoning mixture. Steam covered, until crabs turn bright red in color and are cooked through, 20 to 30 minutes.

   Editor's Note: Look for sustainable seafood, and ingredients at your local farmers market when possible