Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Jalapeno, Sundried Tomato, Garlic Infused Vodka for Bloody Marys

I love to experiment with new drinks..."mixology"! This one turned out delicious!!

Prepare one week in advance:
Infuse the following ingredients in 4 cups of vodka in a glass jar (see note #1 & #2 below):
1 small handful of sundried tomatoes
2 jalapenos, cut in half lengthwise
2 whole cloves garlic

note #1: I believe in the statement "you get what you pay for". If you use cheap vodka, that is what it is going to taste like. Use something that tastes good as a plain vodka for your infused vodka's in order to get the best flavors in the vodka, and in the drinks you prepare with them! I recommend Tito's Handmade Vodka, but you can use what you like best!

note #2: Always use a glass jar for infusion. Using something of another material can take on unexpected flavors.

One week later...
After the vodka infuses for one week, strain through cheesecloth or a strainer into a glass jar. You may want to leave the jalapenos in the new jar for added spice, but if you leave the garlic or tomatoes, they will get rancid.

Drink time!
You are ready to prepare you bloody mary drinks! Use your favorite recipe, or follow my delicious combination below. I made these camping and they were a big hit!!
Bloody Mary's

Fill each glass with ice, then add the following ingredients:
2 shots infused vodka (recipe above)
3 splashes hot sauce (Tabasco)
1 lemon wedge, squeezed
Fresh cracked black pepper
1 splash Worcestershire sauce
Fill to top with tomato juice
Jalapeno stuffed olives (at least 2 for me please!)

Cheers!

Monday, August 4, 2014

Cucumber Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

I love crispy, garden fresh cucumbers! This recipe is a simple, tasty side for any summer meal. It goes especially well with something off the grill, like my Beer 'Can' Chicken!

Ingredients
Cucumbers (2 regular, 3 large pickling or 1 english - your preference or availability)
1/2 Red Onion, thinly sliced
1 TBSP Poppy Seed
3 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 TBSP Honey
1/2 CUP Mayo (I like to use the Hellman's brand olive oil mayonnaise)
Salt
Pepper
Peel cucumbers. If you have garden fresh cucumbers and you know that they have not been sprayed with any pesticides, you can peel strips, leaving some of the skin for extra crunchiness! Thinly slice cucumbers and red onion and place in a bowl.

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, poppy seed, honey and apple cider vinegar. Whisk vigorously until well blended. Pour about 1/2 to 2/3 of the dressing on cucumbers/onions. Stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper, and serve!

Note: There will be some dressing left, you will not need it all! Save for another salad during the week. It will last in the fridge for about 7-10 days.

ENJOY!