Preparation Bring clam juice, cream, tomatoes, carrot, brandy, jalapeño chili, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika to boil in heavy large saucepan.
Reduce heat to medium; simmer until sauce is reduced to 2 cups, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes.
Puree sauce in blender until smooth.
Return to saucepan; add pinch of cayenne pepper.
Season sauce to taste with salt.
(Sauce can be prepared 1 day ahead.
Cover and refrigerate.
)
Combine crabmeat, 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, remaining 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne in large bowl, mixing until well blended.
Form eight 1/2-inch-thick crab cakes, using scant 1/2 cup mixture for each.
Coat crab cakes with remaining 1 1/4 cups breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
(Can be prepared 4 hours ahead.
Arrange in single layer on baking sheet.
Cover and chill.
)
Heat olive oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat.
Add 4 crab cakes to skillet and fry until golden and heated through, about 4 minutes per side.
Transfer to paper-towel-lined plate.
Repeat with remaining crab cakes.
Meanwhile, bring sauce to simmer.
Divide sauce among plates; top with crab cakes.
Garnish each with lemon wedges.
Preparation Bring clam juice, cream, tomatoes, carrot, brandy, jalapeño chili, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika to boil in heavy large saucepan.
Reduce heat to medium; simmer until sauce is reduced to 2 cups, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes.
Puree sauce in blender until smooth.
Return to saucepan; add pinch of cayenne pepper.
Season sauce to taste with salt.
(Sauce can be prepared 1 day ahead.
Cover and refrigerate.
)
Combine crabmeat, 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, remaining 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne in large bowl, mixing until well blended.
Form eight 1/2-inch-thick crab cakes, using scant 1/2 cup mixture for each.
Coat crab cakes with remaining 1 1/4 cups breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
(Can be prepared 4 hours ahead.
Arrange in single layer on baking sheet.
Cover and chill.
)
Heat olive oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat.
Add 4 crab cakes to skillet and fry until golden and heated through, about 4 minutes per side.
Transfer to paper-towel-lined plate.
Repeat with remaining crab cakes.
Meanwhile, bring sauce to simmer.
Divide sauce among plates; top with crab cakes.
Garnish each with lemon wedges.