The Award Goes To Martini™

This is a great cocktail to watch on awards night.

1 oz  chopped + 4 slices cucumber

Ice 

4 - 6 oz vodka

1 - 2 oz dry vermouth

Rinse cucumber. Cut 4 slices from and chop part of a cucumber.

In a clean small jar: combine vodka and cucumber. Let set for a few hours until desired taste. 

Place 4 clean martini glasses in freezer to chill for a few minutes. 

Strain vodka into a cocktail shaker. Add ice and vermouth. Shake for 20 sec. approx.

Remove glasses from freezer. Strain and pour cocktail into glasses. Garnish with cucumber slices.

Serves 4.

Tuscan Shrimp™

This is a quick and easy recipe for Lent or anytime. I've used canned organic low sodium tomatoes, but if you use regular diced tomatoes, you can cut down on the salt.

1 lb. pre cooked shrimp

1 can organic diced tomatoes 

1 tsp. each: basil, oregano, parsley (dried or fresh)

1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

1/8 - 1/4 tsp. each: salt, pepper

1/8 c. dry white wine, or vermouth (optional)

3/4 c (6 oz) tomato paste

2 T olive oil

1 - 2 cloves crushed, chopped garlic

Crush and chop garlic, set aside. 

Thaw shrimp if needed.

Heat saute pan over medium high heat, lower heat to medium, add oil. Add tomatoes, tomatoes paste, herbs, spices,  lemon juice. Carefully add wine.  Cook for 6 - 10 min. Add shrimp and cook for 3 - 7 min more or until shrimp is heated. 

Serves 4.

Be Good To Your Heart Broasted Cauliflower™

In honor of National Heart Month, there is no better day than a day designated for hearts to post a recipe that is good to your heart.  This is a great way to get little ones to try cauliflower too.

1/4 - 1/3 c olive oil (adjust amount needed)
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp each: salt, lemon juice
1 clove fresh garlic crushed and chopped
1 medium head cauliflower
non stick cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350' F

Spray baking sheet with non stick cooking spray.

Rinse cauliflower , break into florets and place into a bowl.

In a measuring cup combine; oil, salt, pepper, garlic, lemon juice. Mix well with a fork and pour over cauliflower.  Toss to coat.

Place cauliflower on baking sheet and put sheet into oven. Bake for 45 min - 1 hr. Be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Halfway through cooking, remove baking sheet from oven and stir to cook evenly. put sheet back in oven.

Remove baking sheet from oven and place on a paper towel lined plate to soak up excess oil.

Serves 6.

Cranberry Cooler™

This is perfect for the big game. This can be made with or without alcohol.

2 c cranberry juice
2 T lime juice
4 - 6 oz vodka (optional)
1 oz triple sec (optional)
Ice
1  1/4 c - 2 c club soda
1 lime cut into wedges

Put ice in the bottom of a pitcher.

Cut lime into 4 wedges.

Combine juice, lime juice, vodka, triple sec, club soda over ice. Mix well, chill in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Garnish glasses with lime wedges.

Serves 4.