Cucumber Basil Martini

Drinking on the job!!! Woohoo…. just one of the perks of writing a blog. Steve and I came up with this super refreshing, not too sweet martini and I can’t wait to have another.

cucumber basil martini

Yum!!! More vodka please. Here’s a pic of our cucumber basil martinis before they disappear.

Recipe

1 serving.

2 1/2 oz. Crater Lake Vodka
4 slices cucumber
4-5 basil leaves
1 tablespoon sugar (or less depending on how sweet/tart you want it)
1/4 of a lemon
1/2 of a lime
1 handful of ice

In a pint glass or cocktail shaker combine ice, cucumber slices, basil leaves, sugar, lemon and lime and muddle them until the basil is torn. Add vodka, give the cocktail a quick shake, strain into a martini glass and garnish with a cucumber wheel or basil leaf.

 

 

Baked Baby Bellas with Lemon Dill Dipping Sauce

Baked Baby Bellas (Criminis)

Baked Baby Bellas (Criminis) with Lemon Dill Dipping Sauce

Baby Bellas, also known as crimini mushrooms, lend themselves well to this savory appetizer adapted from the folks at Season with Spice. Steve and I made these with a Roasted Acorn Squash Rigatoni. A perfect fall dinner!

Recipe

Mushrooms
1 8 oz. package of Baby Bella mushrooms
1/2 cup Panko (you can find Sun Luck in most grocery stores in the Asian food section)
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
Fresh ground sea salt and pepper

Lemon Dill Dipping Sauce
1/3 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons mayo
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Fresh ground sea salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Mushrooms

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Wipe the mushrooms clean with a damp paper towel

3. In a small-ish bowl combine Panko, parmesan cheese, basil, parsley, garlic powder, cayenne, salt and pepper and mix well.

4. In a separate bowl beat the egg.

5. Dip the mushrooms in the egg mixture until fully coated then transfer to the Panko mixture and coat well again. Place mushroom on a Silpat(or Parchment) lined baking sheet. I swear by my Silpat and would definitely like another one or two!!!

6. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until they are golden brown. Serve warm.

 Lemon Dill Dipping Sauce

1. While your mushrooms are cooking combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.