Alligator Jaws Pastry with Cherry Buttercream Frosting
User Reviews
5
Alligator Jaws Pastry with Cherry Buttercream Frosting
Description
This recipe combines a yeast-leavened dough enriched with eggs and shortening, which after rising, is cut into tall triangles and fried until golden. The fried pastries are immediately dipped in a warm glaze made from milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar, giving a glossy and sweet coating. The cherry buttercream frosting is prepared by blending maraschino cherries and their juice with softened butter and a large amount of powdered sugar, resulting in a smooth, flavored icing that adds a creamy, fruity note atop the fried dough.
The frying process creates a lightly crisp outside with a soft interior due to the yeast dough, while the glaze seals in moisture and adds sweetness. The cherry buttercream contributes a rich texture and bright cherry flavor, making it a distinctive pastry suitable for dessert or a special occasion treat.
These pastries are best enjoyed soon after preparation to keep the glaze and frosting fresh and maintain the contrast between crispy fried dough and creamy topping. The recipe requires some rising time and attention when frying to get the right golden color and texture.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 tablespoon yeast
- 1/8 cup water warm
- 3/4 cup milk lukewarm
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons shortening
- 3 cups flour
- vegetable oil for frying
For the glaze:
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups powdered sugar
For the Cherry Buttercream Frosting:
- 6 maraschino cherries from a jar
- 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice from the jar, juice from maraschino cherries
- 1/2 cup butter softened to room-temperature
- 1 pound powdered sugar
Instructions
For the Dough:
- Dissolve yeast in water in a mixer. In a separate bowl, combine milk, sugar, salt, eggs, shortening and add to yeast water.
- Slowly add flour and mix on low until dough is smooth and elastic.
- Cover with a clean dish towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Roll dough out on a floured surface until it is about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into tall triangles (about 2-3" wide by 4" tall)
- Place on a cookie sheet allowing enough room to let them rise. They rise for about 30 min.
- Prepare glaze while rising (see below).
- Heat vegetable oil to 375 degrees. Slowly transfer the triangles with spatula to the hot oil and fry 30 seconds each side until lightly golden brown.
Glaze:
- Combine milk and vanilla in a medium saucepan and heat over low heat until warm. Sift confectioners' sugar into milk mixture. Whisk slowly, until well combined.
- Remove the glaze from the heat. Dip fried triangles into the glaze, 1 at a time, and set on a draining rack placed in a half sheet pan until cooled.
For the Cherry Buttercream Frosting:
- In a food processor, process the cherries with the cherry juice (about 5 pulses).
- Place the processed cherries in a mixing bowl and combine with butter and about 1 cup powdered sugar.
- When well combined and smooth, add remaining powdered sugar a little at a time until you reach a good frosting consistency.
- Add more cherry juice if it gets too dry.
To Assemble:
- Cut each triangle horizontally from the smallest point of the triangle to the back being careful not to cut it all the way through, making it look like an "alligator jaw".
- Open the "jaws" and spoon a good spoonful of frosting between each half and spread evenly. Place top half back down and serve.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1339 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 1339kcal | 67% |
| Carbohydrates | 258g | 86% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Cholesterol | 74mg | 25% |
| Sodium | 336mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 204mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 168g | 336% |
| Vitamin A | 596IU | 12% |
| Calcium | 74mg | 7% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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