Alligator Jaws Pastry With Cherry Buttercream Frosting

Step 1

Dissolve yeast in water in a mixer. In a separate bowl, combine milk, sugar, salt, eggs, shortening and add to yeast water.

Step 2

Slowly add flour and mix on low until dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 3

Cover with a clean dish towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

Step 4

Roll dough out on a floured surface until it is about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into tall triangles (about 2-3" wide by 4" tall)

Step 5

Place on a cookie sheet allowing enough room to let them rise. They rise for about 30 min.

Step 6

Prepare glaze while rising (see below).

Step 7

Heat vegetable oil to 375 degrees. Slowly transfer the triangles with spatula to the hot oil and fry 30 seconds each side until lightly golden brown.

Step 8

Combine milk and vanilla in a medium saucepan and heat over low heat until warm. Sift confectioners' sugar into milk mixture. Whisk slowly, until well combined.

Step 9

Remove the glaze from the heat. Dip fried triangles into the glaze, 1 at a time, and set on a draining rack placed in a half sheet pan until cooled.

Step 10

In a food processor, process the cherries with the cherry juice (about 5 pulses).

Step 11

Place the processed cherries in a mixing bowl and combine with butter and about 1 c. powdered sugar.

Step 12

When well combined and smooth, add remaining powdered sugar a little at a time until you reach a good frosting consistency.

Step 13

Add more cherry juice if it gets too dry.

Step 14

Cut each triangle horizontally from the smallest point of the triangle to the back being careful not to cut it all the way through, making it look like an "alligator jaw".

Step 15

Open the "jaws" and spoon a good spoonful of frosting between each half and spread evenly. Place top half back down and serve.