Recipe for cooking alligators

Breakfast Recipes :: Coffeecakes

Alligators

Dough
1/2 pkg. dry yeast
1 c. warm milk (105 to 110 degrees F) , divided
3 Tbsp. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
Butter
2 1/2 c. flour
1 egg, beaten
60 pecan halves

Alligator Filling
1 c. sugar
1 (7 ounce) pkg. almond paste
3/4 c. butter
1/4 c. honey
1 Tbsp. flour
1 1/2 c. ground pecans

Maple Icing
1/2 c. maple syrup
1/4 c. butter
2 c. sifted powdered\sugar

Alligator Filling: Blend together sugar, almond paste, butter and honey to form smooth paste. Fold in flour, then pecans.

Makes approximately 2 c..

Maple Icing: Heat maple syrup and butter in small saucepan until butter melts. Add sugar, blending until smooth. Makes approximately 1 c..

Dough: Mix yeast with about 1/2 c. warm milk. Add sugar, salt, 3 Tbsp. melted butter, remaining 1/2 c. warm milk and flour. Mix well. Knead to make smooth dough 6 to 8 min.. Let dough rest 30 min..

Roll out on floured board into large rectangle. Spread top with 1/4 c. softened butter. Fold dough into thirds. Repeat 3 more times, using 1/4 c. butter each time, and allowing dough to rest 30 min. before filling.

Divide dough into 2 equal portions. Using 1 portion at time, roll dough as thinly as possible into 18 x 12-inch rectangle. Spread 1/2 Alligator Filling on entire surface of dough, then fold lengthwise in thirds. Place on lightly greased baking sheet and brush with beaten egg. Decorate top with about 30 to 40 pecan halves. Let rest 15 min.. Bake at 375 degrees F for 20 to 30 min. or until golden brown.

While still hot, drizzle top with half of Maple Icing. Repeat with second portion of dough.

Makes approximately 2 alligators.