| Rattlesnake meat is a southwestern delicacy. If you | | | | Here is an easy-to-make recipe for Rattlesnake Chili: |
| haven't ever eaten rattlesnake, you are in for a real | | | | 1 large onion, chopped |
| treat. No, it doesn't taste like chicken! It has a much | | | | 3 large garlic cloves, minced |
| gamier flavor - much more reminiscent of pheasant, | | | | 1 red bell pepper, chopped |
| frog legs, alligator, or even elk. | | | | 3 jalapeno peppers, chopped |
| There are two ways to cook rattlesnake meat: | | | | 1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes |
| De-boned, or with the bones still intact. If you cook it | | | | 1 15 oz. can tomato paste |
| with the bones intact you will have to deal with them | | | | 1 28 oz. can chili beans |
| while eating it. This is no big deal really, and in fact | | | | 1/4 cup chili powder |
| many "just the snake" type recipes (baked snake, | | | | 2 tsp. cumin |
| southern fired snake, etc.) call for the snake to be cut | | | | 1 tsp. salt |
| into pieces and cooked with the bones. | | | | 1 tsp. black pepper |
| Using the snake meat in chili or other dishes where the | | | | 2 lb. rattlesnake meatjuice from 1/2 lemon |
| meat is blended into the dish calls for removing the | | | | Simmer rattlesnake in water and lemon juice for 1 hour, |
| bones. This can be done by simmering the snake | | | | remove and separate meat from bones. |
| carcass for an hour in a pot of water with some | | | | Combine de-boned meat with the rest of the |
| lemon juice and maybe a little bit of spices. Then the | | | | ingredients in a crockpot and slow-cook for 6-8 hours, |
| meat will come off the bones easily. Be sure to taste it | | | | or bring to boil in large cooking pot and simmer for 2 |
| before mixing it in with the other ingredients! | | | | hours. |