Ivey House Gator Chowder

Ingredients

• 3 ounces bacon grease
• 3 ounces clarified butter
• 4 ounces diced, peeled potato
• 4 ounces diced celery
• 3 ounces diced red bell pepper
• 3 ounces diced onion
• 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 6 ounces all-purpose flour
• 4 ounces port wine
• 2 quarts water
• 2 ounces seafood base
• 4 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 pound trimmed, cubed alligator meat

Directions

In a medium saucepan, heat the bacon grease and butter over medium heat. Add the potatoes and cook for 2 minutes. Add all remaining vegetables, then cook for an additional 3 minutes. Add the seasonings and flour. Cook for 3 additional minutes. Do not brown – leave blond. Add the port wine, water, and seafood base. Cook until the mixture thickens. Add the tomato sauce, and cook for 3 more minutes. Add the alligator meat. Cook for 5 more minutes – do not overcook the gator. Adjust seasoning, to taste. Serve in large soup bowls.