Gin and Grin

Just a small note about several little things....(a) the new martini glasses the parents gave us...they are chic, can be frozen in the freezer prior to use, and were a dollar each at the Goodwill!

(b) the great version of dirty martini the boy has been making lately:

Dirty Giadiniera Martinis
2 oz gin
1 oz dry vermouth
1 splash of juice from Giadiniera
shake well with ice and serve up in chilled martini glass
garnish with several pieces of Giadiniera

Giadiniera is an italien favorite consisting of pickled vegetables, frequently found on antipasti plates. Ours consists of red peppers, carrots, celery and cauliflower.

(c) On that same "pickled" note. I love very strong french cornichons, or baby pickles I get from the Farmers market. The other day I got some of the "Baby Baby" Jalapeno Kroger brand pickles and fell in love. They are @#!# awesome. So many dills just don't have enough pep for me. Another fantastic pickled item is the string beans from Stripling's. Their beef jerky is also out of this world, a great present for a dad.