The Rattlesnake Recipes

FRIED RATTLESNAKE - COWBOY KENT ROLLINS

Steps:

• For fresh snake meat, clean the snake well and cover it in buttermilk overnight.
• Drain the snake from the buttermilk and cut into about 3 to 4-inch pieces.
• In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs.
• Dip the snake pieces in the milk mixtures to coat well then dredge through the flour mixtures to generously coat. Repeat to double coat.
• Heat about 2-inches deep of fry oil in a Dutch oven or deep fryer to 350 degrees Fry a few pieces of the snake at a time until golden brown. Drain and let cool on a paper towel. Serve with dipping sauce.
• For the dipping sauce: Whisk together 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon honey and ½ teaspoon liquid smoke.

RATTLESNAKE PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
• Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the onions, squash, zucchini, and mushrooms; cook and stir for 5 minutes, until the vegetables are heated through but still firm. Pour in the cream and the cooked fettucine and simmer for 4 minutes. Mix in the jalapeno, garlic, mustard, and Cajun seasoning and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and the tomatoes. Reduce the heat to low.
• Preheat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over high heat. Dredge the rattlesnake meat in flour and pan fry for 5 minutes or until well done. Arrange the meat on top of the vegetables and pasta to serve.

PAN SEARED RATTLESNAKE ON BRAISED LEEKS WITH A LEMON CAPER SAUCE AND SEASONAL VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Rattlesnake: Dredge all of the skinned rattlesnake fillets in flour, and then sear both sides, until brown, in a medium sized saute pan with vegetable oil on medium heat.
• Lemon Caper Sauce: Heat the chicken stock in a saucepan. In a separate medium saute pan, fry the apple-smoked bacon. Remove the bacon pieces. Add minced garlic and minced shallots to the pan of bacon lard. Pour in the heated chicken stock and stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Finish the sauce with butter, diced tomato, roasted capers and the juice of one lemon. Heat the sauce on low heat.
• To serve: Place the rattlesnake fillets on top of the sauteed vegetables and spoon the lemon-caper sauce on top. Sprinkle chopped parsley and fried basil leaves on top of the sauce. Finish by garnishing the plate with frisee that has been tossed in lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil.
• Cook the vegetables in a saute pan over medium heat with a little chicken stock and butter until they are slightly tender. Serve warm.