I had a craving for Cioppino. The first time I ever had Cioppino was in San Francisco many years ago.
On my way home from work I stopped at the fish store in Cowichan Bay and picked up a variety of seafood:
A live Dungeness Crab,
. 
Clams, Halibut and Spot Prawns. I would have liked mussels too, but they were sold out.
Finished the Cioppino off with Italian Parsley and Basil from our garden.
I didn’t really follow a recipe.
Basically, just sauted some onions until transparent, add two or three minced cloves of garlic, and hot red pepper flakes. Add a little white wine, chicken broth and a can of quality Italian tomatoes. (Just break the tomatoes up with your fingers). Season with basil and oregano and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to meld the flavours.
Add seafood in the order that it takes too cook. I added the crab first because it needed about an 8 minute head start. Next I added the halibut, clams and prawns. Removed from the heat and add chopped Italian Parsley and chopped basil.
thibeaultstable.com 
That sounds great even at 8 in the morning! I made a Ciopinno style soup for the first time about a year ago and it is definitely a crave inducing dish if you're a seafood lover. Perfect for this dreary weather we're having now 🙂
I've been on a seafood kick lately – this would fit right into my 'wave'! Looks delicious, Ann!
Did you stick that crab into the tomato mixture live?
Linda, No, the crab went into the pot already cleaned. The owner of the fish shop offered to do the cleaning when she pulled it out of the tank. So I let her. Ann
This looks so yummy. I love Ciopinno. Your recipe looks great…as do the pictures!
Now that's the perfect meal! With a little crusty bread to soak up the broth I would be in heaven. Love that Dungeness crab.
Had my first cioppino in San Francisco as well, at Chicago Joe's in the Castro neighborhood. It was love at first bite! Everytime I visit your site, I am envious of the fresh seafood to which you have access. Love halibut but the price here on the prairies is crazy, and somehow, no matter what I use it in, it always comes out drier than I expect. :_(