ARGH - back to work tomorrow.
I am NOT ready nor happy about this. Not happy at all. However, the work pays for the trips so off I go . . .
Anyway. Paul's sister, brother-in-law, and two nephews are in town visiting from Manitoba. It turns out that tonight was the only night that we could have them over for dinner before Ian starts his drive back on Friday. While the timing wasn't ideal you make the best of whatever opportunity shows up! It sure helps that they are so wonderful - anytime we can spend together with them we take it!
I was looking for an interesting martini to make and finally settled upon a strawberry one. Then I thought about an herb to add. I've been doing a lot of stuff with fresh herbs lately and enjoy the combination of strawberry and basil. Hmmm A few clicks of the mouse and I had a recipe for a strawberry basil martini.
It was a HUGE hit. We all enjoyed it. This is a perfect summer drink - you can play around a bit by adding more basil or strawberries depending upon your preferences.
This recipe is from Food and Wine magazine.
Enjoy!
Strawberry Basil Martini
3 strawberries, plus 1 thin slice of strawberry for garnish
3 basil leaves
1/2 ounce Simple Syrup
Ice
1 ounce gin, preferably Tanqueray No. Ten
1 ounce vodka
1/2 ounce fresh lime juiceIn a cocktail shaker, muddle the strawberries with the basil leaves and Simple Syrup (I don't have a proper muddler but found by bashing the strawberries, basil, and syrup with a wooden spoon i was able to bash things up nicely). Add ice and the remaining ingredients and shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with the strawberry slice.
NOTE - you can make a simple syrup by mixing 1 part water to two parts sugar (i.e. 1 cup water + 2 cups sugar) in a saucepan. bring to a boil and gently boil until all fhe sugar has dissolved. Cool completely before using.
Back to work, already????? Oh, the humanity!
Good luck with re-entry!
Posted by: sandrac | July 08, 2009 at 09:18 PM
Strawberry & Basil... sounds perfect! I may have to give this a try.
It's about time you get back to work. Time to save up for Greece.
Posted by: sandi @ the whistlestop cafe | July 08, 2009 at 10:56 PM
Welcome home, Jerry and Paul!
I don't drink hard liquor very often (I am strictly a wino), but I may make an exception for this one!
Posted by: nancyhol | July 09, 2009 at 12:41 AM
Hi Jerry, that looks good! Have a smooth trasition back to work.
Posted by: Kathy (Trekcapri) | July 09, 2009 at 08:53 AM
It was awful Sandra. Thank goodness I was off yesterday to recover.
It was an amazing combination Sandi. Now to THINK about Greece! LOL
It is a nice drink to make an exception for Nancy.
Thanks kathy. I think that the transition will be a slow one. *smile*
Posted by: JDeQ | July 11, 2009 at 06:45 AM