Shaken & Stirred, A Course in Pasta, Hallpass

“The better part of the man is soon ploughed into the soil for compost. By a seeming fate, commonly called necessity, they are employed, as it says in an old book, laying up treasures which moth and rust will corrupt and thieves break through and steal. It is a fool's life, as they will find when they get to the end of it, if not before.”
― Henry David Thoreau, Walden

December 26th, 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwbqxZFVMOQ

Compost, recycled holly, stomach turning, Advil advocating . . you guessed it, I went out dancing last night with Ms. Whitney & Mr. Silver Patron. It's 9:21 am, I took a taxi right? >walking out to check the street< Confirmed - good boy Scotty. I danced to the songs that held a good beat. I stood off to the side when the music lacked any substance, and I washed down my Jingle Bell-less attitude with 6 oz shots of tequila. My Christmas complete, my reluctance to participate in "battling" certified, I wipe my crusted, weary eyes and re-gain focus . . I have a dinner to cook in Palm Springs.

A Course in Pasta

Gnocchi Chopsticks with Pickled Honeydew & Prosciutto

Seared Sea Scallop, Lobster-Saffron Cream Sauce, Lemon Pepper Papparedelle

Artichoke Tapenade encrusted Black Bass, Umbricelli-n-Cheese with Porcini Mushroom

Tangerine-Basil Granite

Veal Agnolotti with Smoked Tomato-Fennel Sauce, Capicola-Chevre Blossoms

Meyer Lemon Ricotta Cannelloni, Huckleberry Gastrique, Spiced Crème Anglaise & Fresh Berries

My equilibrium askew and not enough synapses firing upstairs, diluted emotions & an upset stomach . . I'm gonna have to take a hallpass on today's journal entry. Appropriately, I leave you with a blueprint for creating a specialty cocktail. Shake it up, drink it down and remember to take two aspirin before you crawl into bed!

with Culinary Blessings,
Chef Scotty

Specialty Libations in a Martini Glass
A cool, flirty martini is the perfect cocktail for lounging by the pool, throwing a party or setting the tone for a romantic evening. Utilizing your personal liquor cabinet and a few easy ingredients from a grocery store, you'll have partner or guests wondering where you went to bartending school.

Instructions
Things You'll Need
• Martini glass
• Shaker with strainer
• Ice
• Vodka (if non-alchoholic you’ll substitute more club soda & sprite –stir don’t shake!!!)
• Club soda
Place a martini glass in the freezer to chill. Place 4 ice cubs, 2 oz. vodka and 1 oz. club soda in the shaker.
Add your mix of choice, shake your frustrations out and pour. Finish with a splash of club soda & garnish.


1.) rosehip litchi martini: purchase two cans of litchi & rosewater (at your local Persian or Kosher store). Open the cans and process the litchis with the juice in a blender, add one teaspoon of rosewater & follow the recipe above. Garnish with a rosepetal.

2.) tangerine-thai basil martini: purchase thai basil (or regular),chiffonade (cut up finely) and set aside with a damp paper towel covering any air exposure to prevent oxidation. Tangerine juice is available at any natural food store but you can easily substitute any juice here (kerns guava & mango work well but they do have corn based thickeners). Mix the tangerine juice & thai basil together, then pour into a container & place in freezer for at least 8 hours. To make your martini – omit the ice in the shaker!!!! And instead, carve out 2 scoops of your granite (iced fruit juice) pouring your vodka over it, shake it like you would your boss if you could, add a splash of club soda – and enjoy! Garnish with any fresh fruit: strawberries, mango wedges, orange slices

3.) muttled men martini: purchase oil cure olives (dry packed usually or available at any olive bar) & a jar of pepperocini’s. Slice and dice your little pickled peppers & olives, mix and set aside. Use a good vodka for this one – I like Chopin (still made with potatoes) or Belvedere and OMIT the club soda. Afer shaking, Put about two heaping tablespoons of your mix with 1 tablespoon of pepperocini juice. No garnish needed – this little guy is spicy, salty and goes down ohhhhh, so smooth!