Sunday, May 06, 2007

Bruschetta Martinis

I am not a big user. I am a saver. When someone gives me a gift, or I acquire something not needed immediately, like a decorative item, I usually stash it in the closet, in its box, until I've "used up" the item that preceded it. I do this with new towels, new sheets, dishes, candles, etc. It is my way of maintaining order, conqering clutter, and in my own neurotic way, an attempt to be eco-conscious. I really make sure to "finish" those glasses,towels, before I unleash the new ones.

My dear friend Michelle gifted me these lovely stemless martini glasses last year and I resisted putting them into my beverage rotation. They are too nice, too delicate, I thought. I'll save them. But for what? What the hell am I saving all these things for? So at a recent dinner gathering I busted them out, using them for a tangy "bruschetta martini" appetizer. The whole thing was devilishly simple and, though I felt more than a bit Martha Stewartish presenting these dishes to my dinner guests, I could not argue with the fact that they looked quite pretty.
The recipe is as follows:
2 tomatoes diced
2 gloves of garlic chopped
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 bunch basil chopped
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker, shake gently and pour into martini glasses. Garnish with a slice of baguette.

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