Alligator Allemond Recipes

ALLIGATOR ALLEMOND

Steps:

• Place the alligator meat into a large bowl and add the granulated garlic, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Toss the meat with the seasoning and allow to marinate for up to 45 minutes in the refrigerator.
• In a medium cast-iron pan over medium heat, add 1 cup of the oil and heat through. Whisk in the flour and cook the roux slowly until it reaches a deep chocolate-brown color, 40 to 45 minutes. Remove the roux from the heat and pour into a separate heatproof container to stop the cooking process. Use immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
• In a cast-iron pot over medium heat, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil and heat until hot. Add the onions, garlic and bell peppers to the pot. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes with green chiles, the marinated alligator meat and 1 tablespoon of the roux. Let the meat begin to brown on all sides, about 10 minutes. Add 2 cups of water, bring to a simmer and cook until the meat is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly, about 45 minutes. Serve over rice.

ALLIGATOR FRITTERS

Steps:

• Cook gator in olive oil in a pan until cooked through; chill meat thoroughly.
• Add egg, mustard, scallions, garlic, Garlic Butter, red pepper and baking powder to gator in a mixing bowl. Add the flour a little at a time, adjusting until the mixture is a little looser than that of a meatball (you may not need to add the whole amount). Form into 3-inch ovals.
• Saute in some oil in a skillet until golden, 2 minutes on the first side and 1 minute on the second side.
• Place the butter in a large stand mixer and beat on low speed for 3 minutes. Add chopped garlic, shallots and granulated garlic. Beat for 2 minutes on medium speed. Turn back to low speed and add the wine and lemon juice. Beat on high speed for 2 minutes. Turn to low speed and add the parsley; beat 30 seconds and turn off mixer.
• Mix together mayo, dill, white pepper, cayenne and lemon juice in a bowl.

ALLIGATOR BREAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
• For the head: Cut off about a quarter (8 ounces) of the dough and form into a teardrop shape, pulling the narrower end out to form a long snout. Set aside.
• For the eyes and legs: Cut off another quarter (8 ounces) of the dough. Divide the rest of this piece of dough into 2 logs each about 9-inches-long. Lay the logs crosswise in the middle of the prepared baking sheet with about 3-inches in between.
• For the body and tail: Form an 11-inch-long log with the remaining dough (1 pound) with one end thicker than the other. Place the log on top of the legs (the dough for the legs should peek out from under the body). Pull the narrow end to a point and curve to the side to make a tail. Butt the head up against the thicker part of the body. Curve the legs forward slightly.
• Spray the alligator with cooking spray, cover with plastic wrap and let rise until puffed, about 30 to 45 minutes.
• Beat together the milk, egg and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Brush the dough all over with the egg wash. Cut two small slits in the face on either side and press in dried cherries for eyes.
• With scissors, snip (without going all the way through) 4 small cuts in the front of the alligator's feet to make claws. Make 1-inch snips in horizontal rows all down the back of the alligator for scales. Press 2 toothpicks in the front of the snout (and leave them in during baking) to make the alligator's nostrils.
• Bake until the alligator has risen and is golden, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove to a cooling rack. Remove the toothpicks.
• While the alligator is still hot, use a serrated knife to slice open the head, crosswise, to make a mouth and gently pull it open. Insert slivered almonds in the top and bottom to make rows or jagged and crooked teeth. Insert a slivered almond in each nostril hole. Serve warm or at room temperature.

DEEZ AIN'T GATOR BITES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
• For the nuggets: In a large stock pot, add the canola oil, onions, cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and cayenne and sauté over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 to 15 minutes. Add the garlic and let stew, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
• Add the tomato paste, cilantro, parsley and habaneros and let stew, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend well.
• Place the flour in a large bowl, add the blended ingredients and mix. Place small chunks (about 1-inch wide) of the mixture on the prepared sheet pan and bake until a light crust forms on the outer edges, 30 to 40 minutes.
• For the swamp sauce: Meanwhile, in a blender, add the Mayo Base, cilantro, garlic powder, mustard, jalapeños, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Blend, then set the sauce aside.
• For frying: Heat about 2 cups oil in a 12-inch frying pan over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes, then reduce the heat to medium.
• Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix together 1 cup of the flour, 1/4 cup of the Love Spice, the hot sauce and 1/2 cup water. In a separate bowl, mix together the remaining 1 cup flour and the remaining 2 teaspoons Love Spice.
• Dredge the nuggets and mushroom slices in the wet batter, then the dry batter. Add the battered pieces to the oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 1 1/2 minutes, turning once halfway through.
• Place the fried nuggets and mushrooms on a plate. Add the parsley on top and serve with the swamp sauce on the side.
• In a bowl, add the paprika, black pepper, salt and cayenne. Mix well.
• In a blender, add the soy milk, olive oil, lemon juice and vinegar. Blend well and refrigerate overnight.

FRIED ALLIGATOR NUGGETS

Steps:

• Fill a deep pot halfway full with oil. Heat to 360 degrees F. Coat the alligator meat with the fish batter. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, until gator floats in oil. Remove and add salt and pepper to taste. Serve as an appetizer with remoulade sauce, mustard sauce, or cocktail sauce for dipping.

BLACKENED ALLIGATOR

Steps:

• Pound alligator until slightly flattened. Season using the blackening seasoning. Cook in hot oil for approximately 4 to 5 minutes, turning constantly after the first minute. When cooked, drain excess oil. Serve sliced.