There is always something new to learn or taste when
you are a “guest student” at the Academy, especially in the
Poultry, Game and Fowl class!  Chef Blake gave me a tour of the kitchen and explained that in this 15-day class, the students prepare all kinds of poultry and foul in a wide array of ways- chicken, turkey, Cornish game hens, and quail…you name it!  They also study game meats such as elk, bison and venison.  I was lucky enough to join them on the next- to-last day of the course, where “alligator” was the meat of choice! 

The class was divided into four groups, who each had to prepare the same recipe.  One student was appointed Sous chef, who was second-in-command to Chef Blake, which meant he had to get the alligator meat butchered and ready for each group’s entrées and also had to oversee the kitchen operations.

One of the entrees, Ivey House Chowder, was definitely a group effort.  Everyone had to play a part to get it done on time.  One person was chopping vegetables like onions, potatoes and onions.  Another was frying bacon.  Another worked on the preparing the bread…  By the time each group presented the chowder, it was impressive to see each group's creations.

In the meantime, the Sous chef was preparing more alligator meat needed to make the Alligator Fritters.  Chef Blake did a demonstration on how to grind the meat, showing the class how to properly and safely use a meat grinder. 

Even though the students all prepared the same basic recipe, each group's chowder looked and tasted differently and each presented the chowder with a unique bread item on the side.  One group served it with cornbread, one used puffed pastry, and another made square- shaped biscuits.  Chef Blake challenged each group in many ways, including presentation techniques and bread choices as they presented their chowder to the class.

By the end of the class day, they also presented Alligator Fritters served with cocktail sauce.

When the students sampled the alligator entrees, I decided to jump right in and give them a try.   (And  if you are wondering...no, they didn’t taste like chicken!)  Everything was DELICIOUS!