Pickle Martinis

So last weekend I celebrated my birthday with my wonderful friends!! Before the festivities began, I joined one of my bff's Emily to have a pre-party cocktail! We decided to recreate our favorite drink from the restaurant Reatta in Fort Worth, the Pickle Martini! Now I know what you must be thinking, a drink that tastes like a pickle!? But trust me, if you like salty drinks, you will love this! The only catch is that it only works with the Claussen Kosher Dill pickles, if you get those then you are good to go!! So cheers everyone!!

In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 shot vodka, 2 shots claussen kosher dill pickle juice, and a splash of vermouth (optional). Add a handful of ice to the shaker, and shake until cold.  Pour into a glass and garnish with a pickle! Easy as that, and so delish!

Keeping my Resolutions

So the New Year has been off to a great and busy start (hence no posting since Dec. 1). I had a fabulous Christmas, and celebrated my birthday last weekend in Santa Fe. We've made a tradition on going to Santa Fe for my birthday every year, and I can say without a doubt it is my favorite place on earth! Plus, people don't look at me like I'm crazy when I ask for no dairy!! Ahhh, Santa Fe, how I love thee! Since my birthday is just three weeks after the New Year, its always hard to keep my "healthy eating" resolutions, but since my bday has passed, it's time to get back on track and this salad is helping to do just that!! I guess I'd call this my "Healthy Quinoa Salad". For those of you not familliar with quinoa, its pronounced keeen-waaaa, and its a grain that I substitute for rice, as a healthier alternative. Hope you ejoy!! (I am also including a few pics of my cooking related gifts, my friends and family know me too well!!)

 To cook the quioa, simply add to  pot and cover with about 1 inch of water, boil until water is absorbed (I'm sure you can find more accurate directions on the back of the package, but I buy mine in the bulk bin, so I do not have any instructions...just keep an eye on it!)

 Chop up your veggies, I used one small avocado, 1/4c red onion, bell pepper, and tomato.

 Combine with leafy green lettuce, 1c cooked quiona, and veggies. Drizzle with olive oil and balsalmic, salt and pepper to taste!

 Resolution "eat healthy" kept! But I resolved to continue reading trashy gossip mags while watching Gilmore girls, gotta have some guilty pleasures!

 Great new cookbook , thanks Lacey!!

 I bought this balsalmic while in Santa Fe. SO DELICIOUS, google: Santa Fe Olive Oil, they have a website you can order from...I also got spicy curried sea salt, delish!

 New cookbook from MC, can't wait to bake from it!!

 A surprise Ben got me!! Cooks like a charm!

These napkins from MC are really the perfect ending to my first post of 2012!!

Happy New year!