Alligator for breakfast? Chef Christie says yes!

Carriage House owner Chef Christie Watson shows Tyler Ryan traditional Mardi Gras treats

[gtxvideo vid=’4DkaYTg8′ thumb=’http://player.gtxcel.com/thumbs/4DkaYTg8.jpg’ vtitle=’mardi gras 1′]

CAMDEN SC (WOLO)–Mardi Gras, an annual tradition in New Orleans is going on this week, and Chef Christie Watson from the Carriage House in Camden joined Tyler Ryan on Good Morning Columbia to demonstrate some traditional tastes of the celebration.

“Alligator is a common treat,” says Watson, explaining that it takes “very much like chicken.”  Watson says that often, alligator can be found in the “exotic” section of a grocery store near the seafood department.  Watson says that the secret to preparation is to cut the meat thin, otherwise it will be chewy once prepared.

Watson says that the meat should be breaded and spiced, and cooked in hot oil for three to four minutes.

Watson also shared some of her secrets for the bloody mary, which include fresh shrimp, bacon, and Zing Zang.

You can learn more tips and cooking ideas from Chef Christie Watson HERE.