Vodka Martini-Garlic Style by Brad Rush

- ingredients -

2 shots premium vodka - (premium means the good stuff)
1/8 shot garlic cooking wine
3 drops of vermouth
2 pickled garlic or 1 garlic stuffed olive - ( I prefer the pickled garlic only because I can't stay out of the olives once I open them.)

- directions -

Pour vodka, garlic cooking wine, and vermouth over ice. Strain into a martini glass (or glass of choice), or serve on the rocks. Drop in pickled garlic or garlic stuffed olives and serve. Note: (thhis Was one of our fav-o rights heer att the test ing area..}

Died & Gone to Montecelli

- ingredients -

1/2 Cup good virgin olive oil
1/4 Cup balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
1 tsp. to 1 Tbls. red chili flakes (depending on how much heat you like.)
15 cloves chopped fresh garlic
1/4 to 1/2 cup of fresh finely chopped basil

- directions -

Mix all ingredients in a ceramic bowl and let stand for 10 minutes. Serve in a shallow bowl and scoop up with good crusty sourdough or peasant bread. Great with a glass of red wine.

Blue Cheese Spread

- ingredients -

1 (8oz.) package of cream cheese - softened
6 oz. crumbled blue cheese
3 tbsp. shallots - finely minced
1 clove of fresh Garlic - chopped fine
-dash of Tabasco
1/4 cup walnuts - toasted and coarsely chopped
-rye, flax or multi grain bread

- directions -

In a large bowl, beat cheeses, shallots, garlic and Tabasco on medium speed until well blended. Spoon into serving bowl; garnish top with walnuts. Serve with triangle shaped wedges of bread of your choice.

Serves 4.

Don't let the simple city of this recipe fool you. It is great and will be the first thing gone at a party. Yum. Great flavors blended just right. Thanks Kowalski's...

Blue Cheese Appetizer Torta

- ingredients -

1 (8 oz.) carton Italcheese Mascarpone
3/4 cup blue cheese
3 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, well drained, divided - diced
1/4 cup Marcona Almonds - coarsely chopped
2 tbsp. fresh parsley
1 (5 oz.) package Crispini Sesame Garlic Mediterranean Snacking Crisps, or your favorite crackers.

- directions -

Combine mascarpone, blue cheese and garlic in a food processor or blender until well blended. Line 2 1/2 cup bowl with plastic wrap. Spread 1/3 of cheese mixture into the bottom of the bowl; top evenly with half of the roasted red peppers.

Repeat layers, ending with remaining 1/3 of cheese mixture.

Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate several hours or overnight.

To Serve: Remove the plastic wrap from the top of the bowl; invert onto a serving plate and remove the remaining plastic wrap. Press the almonds onto the cheese; sprinkle with parsley. Serve with the crackers.

Serves 8