Alton Browns Martini Food

ALTON BROWN'S MARTINI

Steps:

• Place some crushed ice into the martini glass you will be serving in, and set aside.
• Place the 1 cup of crushed ice into a cocktail shaker. Pour in the vermouth and swirl it around, making as much contact as possible with the ice. Using a strainer, pour the vermouth out. Add the gin and stir well to combine.
• Remove the ice from your serving glass and add the twist or olive. Using the strainer, pour the gin into the serving glass.
• I admit that, since I have gotten older, I sometimes add a little of the crushed ice to my glass. Makes it easier to have the second one.

MARGARITA

Steps:

• Pour 1/2-ounce of the tequila into a small saucer. Spread the kosher salt in a separate small saucer. Dip the rim of a martini or other wide rimmed glass into the tequila. Lift out of the tequila and hold upside down for 10 seconds to allow for slight evaporation. Next, dip the glass into the salt to coat the rim. Set aside.
• Halve 2 of the limes, cut a thin slice for garnish from 1, and set aside. Juice the halved limes into the bottom of a Boston-style cocktail shaker. Cut the remaining 2 limes and the orange into quarters and add them to the juice in the shaker. Add the agave nectar to and muddle for 2 minutes until the juices are release. Strain the juice mixture through a cocktail strainer into the top of the shaker and discard the solids.
• Return the juice to the bottom of the shaker, add the remaining 1 1/2 ounces of tequila and any remaining on the saucer. Add the ice to the shaker, cover and shake for 30 seconds. Strain the mixture through a cocktail strainer into the prepared glass, garnish with reserved lime slice, and serve immediately.

AB'S MARTINI

Steps:

• Place some crushed ice into the martini glass you will be serving in, and set aside.
• Place the 1 cup of crushed ice into a cocktail shaker. Pour in the vermouth and swirl it around, making as much contact as possible with the ice. Using a strainer, pour the vermouth out. Add the gin and stir well to combine.
• Remove the ice from your serving glass and add the olive. Using the strainer, pour the gin into the serving glass.

ALTON BROWN'S WHITE TRASH

Steps:

• Dump the cereals, M&Ms, nuts & pretzels in a large bowl.
• Melt the white chocolate in the microwave or in a double boiler. Melt very slowly, stirring occasionally, being careful not to burn the chocolate.
• Dump melted chocolate over the rest of the ingredients and fold over and over until you have well-coated hunks and chunks.
• Spread the whole mess out on parchment paper and set in a cool place until it sets up, then break it into pieces.
• Store in zip-top bags or air-tight containers.

ALTON BROWN'S COCOA SYRUP

Steps:

• In a medium or large pot, bring water and sugar to a boil.
• Whisk in cocoa, vanilla, salt, and corn syrup until all the solids have dissolved.
• Reduce sauce until slightly thickened.
• Strain and cool to room temperature.
• Pour into squeeze bottles.
• Keep in the fridge.
• One serving equals about 1/2 cup.

ALTON BROWN'S LEMON CURD

Steps:

• Add enough water to a medium saucepan to come about 1-inch up the side. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, combine egg yolks and sugar in a medium size metal bowl and whisk until smooth, about 1 minute. Measure citrus juice and if needed, add enough cold water to reach 1/3 cup. Add juice and zest to egg mixture and whisk smooth. Once water reaches a simmer, reduce heat to low and place bowl on top of saucepan. (Bowl should be large enough to fit on top of saucepan without touching the water.) Whisk until thickened, approximately 8 minutes, or until mixture is light yellow and coats the back of a spoon. Remove promptly from heat and stir in butter a piece at a time, allowing each addition to melt before adding the next. Remove to a clean container and cover by laying a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the curd. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.