I Got an Alligator for Christmas

I think in another dimension my variant is a chef.

I feel like I could’ve been comfortable in a career like that. Its similar enough to illustration in that it can be meticulous and wildly creative. Its solving a problem with the same tools too, design, color, and texture. Only difference is the solving is on the plate or in the bowl instead of on the page. And of course you’re solving taste, that shit’s gotta taste good. That kind of challenge is right up my alley.

I also that find its one of those tasks that you can be contemplative, conversational, or just zone out to music while doing. Its cathartic, especially after a day grinding through publishing work or drawing. I’m content to be a hobbyist, and post some videos here and there. But maaaaaannnnn if I had more time?! I’d be a damn samurai at it.

For real.

So, I’ve been meaning to drop this one, like excited about it. The wife and kid out did themselves this past Christmas, I’ve been wanting to up my cooking game with a challenge and they came through with a literal beast: THEY GOT ME AN ALLIGATOR YA’LL! And listen, Kemi is usually not the surprise partner, I’m all about it! I’m around here hiding gifts and creeping around corners until the reveal, she’ll just tell you what she bought. But this year they somehow concealed a whole damned cooler. I gotta give them their respect, I was actually surprised.

It was on after that. I needed to get a smoker.

Check. After that I needed to test the thing out and hone in on my innate Southern tenderism powers.

I trained hard on ribs, Chuck roast, Leg Quarters, and Sausages. The family enjoyed the training phase lol.

Check. It was now time to level up and learn the Smoked Alligator Jutsu!

P.S. When I cook, unless its something I’m already experienced in, I work from several recipes & video tutorials. I referenced these 2 for this one:

Whole Smoked Gator Recipe

How to Cook a Whole Smoked Alligator

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