Heaven-ly Gator Purses

(1st place 1999)

Ravioli Ravioli
  • 1 lb. alligator meat cut into small pieces
  • 2 tbsp. Evan Williams Bourbon
  • 2 tbsp. butter
  • 1 large white onion coarsely chopped
  • 3 c. sweet peppers coarsely chopped
  • 2 hot peppers finely chopped
  • 1 clove fresh garlic finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp. lime juice
  • ½ tsp. mesquite smoke flavoring
  • 2 tbsp. fresh sage chopped
  • 2 tbsp. habanero pepper sauce
  • ¼ cup Evan Williams Bourbon
  • 2 cups cooked rice
    Pastry Ingredients:
  • 4 c. sifted all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • 1 1/3 c. shortening
  • 6 tbsp. of Whaler's Coconut Rum
  • 6 tbsp. of ice water
Dipping Sauce Ingredients:
  • 3 tbsp. habanero pepper sauce
  • 1 tsp. minced garlic
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1/3 c. mayonnaise
  • 3 tbsp. Evan Williams Bourbon
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Prepare pastry dough first: Sift flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in shortening. Mix in rum. Mix in iced water 1 tbsp. at a time for 4 tbsp. Finish adding water as necessary 1 tsp. at a time. Roll out dough onto lightly floured surface. Cut into desired size circles or use a Calzone mold/cutter to desired size.

Prepare Filling: Cook alligator meat in 2 tbs. Wait to add Evan Williams Bourbon till just done (do not brown).

Remove from heat and set aside. In large pan melt butter and add onion, peppers. Saute until tender. Turn off heat and stir in alligator meat. Add remaining ingredients. Stir gently. Spoon mixture into ½ of the pastry circles/shapes. Fold dough over to form a pocket or purse. Seal edges to prevent leakage. Place purses on foil lined baking sheets. Bake approximately 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Serve with dipping sauce.

To prepare sauce: Mix all ingredients together. It's that easy. It's HOT!