Spoon Fed Bloody Mary With Grilled Lemon Skewers Food

THE LOCOMOTIVE

Steps:

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, cranberry juice, lemon juice, orange juice and Simple Syrup to the shaker. Smash the slice of serrano chile with the back of a bar spoon several times and add it to the shaker. Shake for 8 to 10 seconds and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with the slice of jalapeno. This cocktail may be served straight up or on the rocks.
• Put the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. (Alternatively, heat in the microwave.) Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

SPICY BLOODY MARYS

Steps:

• Cut the celery in large dice, including the leaves, and puree in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Add the horseradish, onion, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, kosher salt, and Tabasco and puree it again. Pour the tomato juice into a 2 1/2-quart container, stir in the celery and seasonings mixture, then add the vodka and chill. Place a few ice cubes in each glass, pour in the Bloody Mary mixture, and garnish with a celery stick.

SPOON-FED BLOODY MARY WITH GRILLED LEMON SKEWERS

Steps:

• 8 large toothpicks or small skewers
• 4 celery stalks, cut in 1/2
• On a prepared grill or grill pan, grill the lemon wedges until lightly browned. Skewer the lemons onto toothpicks or skewers and set aside.
• In a blender or food processor, puree together the tomatoes, jalapenos, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper. You should have about 3 1/2 cups.
• Pour the tomato mixture into a large pitcher and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• Season the celery and fennel or cucumber and tomato with salt and and pepper, to taste, and toss to combine. Place a bit of the veggie mixture into each of 8 martini glasses.
• Pour 1-ounce of chilled vodka over the vegetable mixture. Top with the spiced tomato mixture and garnish with a grilled lemon wedge and half of a celery stalk. Serve with a teaspoon.

PICCALILLI

Steps:

• In large glass bowl, combine all vegetables and salt. Cover and set aside at room temperature 3 hours. In colander, drain vegetables. Rinse quickly with cold water and drain very well.
• In large non-aluminum kettle, combine vegetables, vinegar, sugar, mustard seed, and cayenne. Bring mixture to boiling over high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and cook, uncovered, 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Meanwhile, sterilize 4 pint jars, lids, and bands according to manufacturer's directions. Divide Piccalilli among sterilized jars leaving 1/2-inch space at top of jar. Wipe rims of jars to remove any syrup and seal with lids and bands.
• Process jars in boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Remove jars from water bath, tighten lids immediately, and set aside to cool completely. Label jars and store in cool, dry place.