Nikas Culinaria

Good morning all, hope you are enjoying some bright sunshine like we are here in central MA (for once!).

In this post I am sharing my latest Well Fed Network The Spirit World blog article with you.

Radiant Bloody Marys

(Image Source: Nika’s Flickr)A Bloody Mary can be a resplendent experience but not if a store bought mix is used. That really just negates the whole concept of a summertime tomato based drink. Why waste your time with the mix when there is a wide selection of fresh tomatoes calling out to be transformed into the perfect drink. In the average grocery store you should find not just red run-of-the-vine tomatoes but scintillating yellow and orange ones.

(Image Source: Nika’s Flickr)I have put together the following concoction for you to spread your tomato essence wings. It is up to you whether you wish to add the distilled spirits.

Radiant Bloody Marys

Ingredients:

Freshly juiced tomato juice, 4 oz. (red, yellow, and orange, as you desire)
Horseradish 1/8 tsp
Minced garlic 1/8 tsp
Fresh squeezed lemon juice, 1/2 tsp
Sea salt, pinch
Chopped cilantro, 1/4 tsp, to taste
Tabasco, to taste
Bunch of fresh cilantro

Directions:

I used our juicer for the tomato juice but if you do not have one do the following. Cut up the tomatoes, run through the blender, and filter out skins and seeds. With the juicer there may be some separation of the lighter stuff from clear liquid. Mix the juice before serving.

Combine tomato juice, horseradish, garlic, lemon juice, chopped cilantro leaves, Tabasco sauce to taste, and pinch of salt; mix well. A blender is not really necessary. Pour into serving glass (ice is up to you) and garnish with cilantro.

Seen below served with my summertime tomato tarts.

(Image Source: Nika’s Flickr)