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1
Make the dough: Dissolve the yeast in about half the milk; let stand 5 minutes.
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2
In the large bowl of an electric mixer, combine the sugar, salt, melted butter, remaining milk and the yeast mixture.
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3
Gradually beat in the flour.
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4
Knead to make a smooth dough, about 6 to 8 minutes.
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5
Let dough rest in a warm place for 30 minutes, covered with a clean towel.
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6
Roll out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 16 by 20 inches.
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7
Spread 1/4 cup of the softened butter on top.
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8
Fold the dough into thirds.
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9
Repeat 2 more times, rolling and then spreading with the remaining butter.
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10
Allow dough to rest 30 minutes.
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11
Make the filling: Blend the sugar, almond paste, butter and honey into a paste.
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12
Toss the ground pecans with the 1 tablespoon flour and fold into the paste.
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13
(Makes about 2 cups.
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14
).
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15
Finish: Divide dough into 2 equal portions.
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16
Using 1 portion at a time, roll dough as thinly as possible into an 18-by-12-inch rectangle.
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17
Spread 1/2 the filling on entire surface of each dough rectangle, then fold each lengthwise in thirds.
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18
Place on lightly greased baking sheet and brush with beaten egg.
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19
Decorate tops with pecan halves to resemble an alligator's skin.
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20
Let rest 15 minutes.
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21
Heat oven to 375 degrees.
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22
Meanwhile, heat the maple syrup and butter until butter melts.
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23
Stir in the confectioners' sugar until smooth.
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24
(Makes about 1 cup.
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25
).
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26
Bake alligators for 20 to 30 minutes, until golden brown.
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27
While still hot, drizzle tops with the maple icing.
