BERRY SHORTCAKE JELLY SHOT EDIBLE COCKTAILS

The very last of the summer berries are featured in my newest Edible Cocktail, the

BERRY GOOD SHORTCAKE EDIBLE COCKTAILS

A Jello Shot that will make for a Berry Delicious Happy Hour!

TOOLS
Measuring Cups
Non-stick Medium Saucepan
Non-stick Vegetable Spray
Spoons
Mold(s) for gels.
Large Metal Strainer
Mixing Bowls
Cookie Cutters (about the same diameter of the molds you are using for the gels)
Sheet Cake Pan (for baking the shortcake)

PREP

Spray your cocktail molds with a spray cooking gel.
Drop 3 or 4 Fresh Berries into your chosen cocktail mold.

MAKE THE GELATIN MIXTURE 
INGREDIENTS:
1 Small Box of Berry Flavored Gelatin Dessert Mix
2 Pkg. Unflavored Gelatin Powder
1 Cup of Mixed Berry Fruit Juice
1 Cup of Berry Vodka

DIRECTIONS for Gels:
 In a medium saucepan, add the gelatin to the mixed berry fruit juice and allow to dissolve for a few minutes.
Heat this mixture until the gelatin is completely dissolved - about 2 to 4 minutes. DO NOT BOIL.
Turn off the heat, stir in the Berry Flavored Gelatin and stir until dissolved.
Quickly add the cup of Berry Vodka.
Pour the gel mixture over the fresh berries in the molds and allow to set in the fridge for at least 4 hours.

WHILE YOUR GELS SET
Make your Mixed Berry Coulis (recipe just below) and your Bisquick Shortcakes (recipe for shortcake mixture is on the Bisquick box).

SHORTCAKES
Follow the directions on the Bisquick box for the shortcake recipe BUT do not roll and shape shortcakes. Spread the mixture into the greased sheet cake pan about 1/2" deep. Bake at the box temperature but check every 5 minutes as this is thin and likely to bake much faster than regular biscuits or shortcakes. When this is cooled you will be cutting out shapes to fit the bottom of your cocktail gels.

MIXED BERRY COULIS
INGREDIENTS: 
2 C. Assorted Fresh or Frozen Berries
3/4 C. of Sugar
1/8 C. of Lemon Juice

DIRECTIONS for Mixed Berry Coulis
Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer on medium-lo until the berries begin to break down and the mixture thickens (about 15 minutes), stirring occasionally. Press the mixture through a large strainer, over a bowl, to remove the seeds & sediment. (Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to a week in the refrigerator.)
Yes, you can prepare this without cooking as well - the only difference is a slightly smoother texture with the cooked but a higher nutritional value with the uncooked. I lower the sugar content on the uncooked if my berries are sweet enough!

ASSEMBLING YOUR EDIBLE COCKTAIL GELS:
Once your gels are set up, cut out a disc of the shortcake to fit the bottom of your gel, set the gels on top of these shortcake discs.
Pour some of the Mixed Berry Coulis on your serving plates.
Arrange 2 or 3 gels on each plate.
Top the gels with whipped cream and a few fresh berries.
Add a couple of extra dollops of whipped cream for the leftover berry coulis.
Serve with a spoon so your guest can eat the leftover coulis!


GENERAL SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS & TIPS
Cookie cutters don't need to be heated and silicone molds do not need to be heated to release either - but don't forget the cooking spray before you pour your gelatin into any mold!
Most cocktail gels can be frozen, depending on the ingredients.
If you're preparing these for a party that will have children present create some without alcohol simply by replacing the liquor with the same amount of a non- alcoholic liquid or puree of a complimentary flavor, BUT be sure to make the non-alcoholic ones look very different from the ones with alcohol.

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FOR MY SISTER on NATIONAL SISTERS DAY

HOW MY SISTER TURNED ME INTO THE MARTINI DIVA

The first Sunday in August is always National Sister's Day. It's a day to celebrate your sisters, whether they be sisters in blood or sisters in your heart.  My sister was both for me. She was my only birth sister and she was also my friend.  Having lost Patti in 2005, I pay tribute to her memory here today with a little story about how she is the person responsible for the very existence of The Martini Diva.

First, you have to know that Patti was my older sister by seven years and ten months and I drove her crazy when we were growing up.  Our family lived in a small little brick house in Wichita, Kansas and she and I shared a bedroom.  As a teenager Patti was horribly taxed by having a little sister in her personal space on a daily basis. I did not help the situation by being curious, rambunctious and always under foot - or under the bed, but I'll get to that in a minute.

I idolized my older sister. She had lots of friends, she went fun places like formal dances and toga parties. She got to wear pretty dresses, make-up and high heels PLUS she worked in a movie theater and could eat all the free popcorn she wanted!  She was always pretty, always with friends and always doing something interesting and I wanted to be just like her, so I followed in her footsteps - literally.  I was constantly on her heels trying to butt into her life and desperately trying to become part of her world.

I not only dogged her every move, I once hid under her bed while she entertained one of her boyfriends (with the door open of course, this was the fifties). I was constantly hunting for her diary to read so I could get all the private dish on her life.  I was relentless in my pursuit, I was clever and sneaky and I was a royal pain in the ass. I tried to copy her outfits, I imitated her mercilessly and whatever she had I wanted to have, whatever she did I wanted to do.

This included wanting to have a cocktail like the one she was drinking at a small party she gave. Of course I wasn't invited but that didn't stop me!  I surreptitiously crashed the party, snuck up to where Patti's glass sat and sneaked a little sip of her daiquiri when she wasn't looking. I loved it!  It was sweet, it tasted like a peach and it was frozen like the slushies I loved from Dairy Queen!  Patti caught me in the act and, instead of smacking me upside the head and chasing me out of the party, she grabbed a small shot glass and poured me my own little drink!  (Yes, she was underage, yes, our parents were gone and yes, my sister probably let me stay at the party so I wouldn't tattle on her!)

That little tumbler of my sister's daiquiri was my first taste of a cocktail. As a result of having that little shot I went and set up a "bar" in our basement the next day with table leaves, boxes and my little tin glass and tray set.  I then charged all the neighborhood kids a dime for Kool-Aid cocktails which I made with 7-up instead of water and garnished with Maraschino cherries I had copped from the party leftovers! Yeah, I was kind of a pill.

Daiquiris were not the only cocktails my sister introduced me to. My first taste of a Tom Collins, and Drambuie can also be attributed to her.  Like I said, whatever she did or had I wanted to have or do.

I crashed that party the same day Patti had caught me playing with a music box of hers that played "Love Letters" by Pat Boone. So, either she was trying to get me sick with my mini-daiquiri or she was bribing me or she had simply forgiven me for my trespass. Sadly, I will never know which because I never got a chance to ask her.  Patti died before my life as The Martini Diva began and it wasn't until I got hooked on martinis then began creating my own original and bespoke craft cocktails that I remembered that time from my past. 

Patti was not here when I began my journey into mixology and the world of martinis and she is not able to share The Martini Diva lifestyle with me now, that is something I regret every day at cocktail hour. I would love to be able to sit down at five o'clock, place a couple of martinis in front of both of us, share a drink and have a conversation with my sister.  If there was anyone in my life who would have truly enjoyed a fun martini and an hour or two of yakking - and deserved to share in them - it was my sister.

As a result of these childhood events I shall always consider Patty to be the inspiration for my fascination with all things happy hour. That first sip of daiquiri was my initial step towards becoming The Martini Diva and I have my sister to thank for it.

Patty, I hope you're enjoying a nice cold cocktail up there with the angels.

"My Sister is laughter even on the cloudy days of life." ~ Lillian Gish

Updated January 2016

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WATERMELON MARTINIS for National Watermelon Day

NATIONAL WATERMELON DAY is August 3rd.

Here's a link to all my
WATERMELON COCKTAILS

P.S. Don't forget you can freeze any extra watermelon juice!  Then you can have some watermelon cocktails even in the winter!

Happy National Watermelon Day.

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PEACH MARTINIS for National Peach Month

AUGUST IS NATIONAL PEACH MONTH which makes it a perfect time for

PEACH COCKTAILS!

Some of the health benefits of peaches:

• Peaches are low in calories, contain no saturated fats, and are loaded with numerous health promoting compounds, minerals and vitamins.
  
• The total measured anti-oxidant strength (ORAC value) of 100 g peach fruit is 1814 TE (Trolex equivalents).
  
• Fresh peaches are an excellent source of vitamin C which has anti-oxidant effects. Foods rich in vitamin C aid in resistance to fighting infection and removing harmful free radicals.
  
• Fresh peaches also contain vitamin A and ß-carotene. ß-carotene converts into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is necessary for vision and helps maintain healthy mucus membranes and skin as well as being known to offer protection from lung and oral cavity cancers.
  
• Peaches are rich in potassium, fluoride and iron. Iron is required for red blood cell formation. Fluoride is a component of bones and teeth and helps in the prevention of cavities. Potassium is a component of cell and body fluids that help regulate heart rate and blood pressure.
  
• Peaches contain antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin and ß-cryptoxanthin which play a role in aging and various disease process.
  

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THE OLYMPIC TORCH MARTINI - Going For The Gold!

Photo By Nik Frey (niksan) [CC-BY-2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons 

INGREDIENTS for the
OLYMPIC TORCH MARTINI

1 Oz. Bacardi® Torched Cherry
1 Oz. Bacardi® Spiced Rum
Edible Gold Flakes
1/4 oz Bacardi® 151 rum

DIRECTIONS
Shake a few of the edible gold flakes into your martini glass. Pour the Bacardi® Torched Cherry and the Bacardi® Spiced Rum over the gold flakes.  Carefully layer the Bacardi® 151 rum on top by pouring it very carefully over the back of a spoon into the martini glass. Carefully* ignite the 151 rum (a barbecue lighter is a good tool here).

It is best to assemble the Olympic Torch Martini at the table or serving location instead of moving it once it's lit!

FLAMING DRINK PRECAUTIONS!*

• Do NOT drink this while the cocktail is still on fire! Extinguish all flames before consumption!
• Cap off all liquor bottles and move away from the area before lighting any cocktail on fire. Remove any other flammable items and watch out for your clothing and hair.
• Do not use a delicate or crystal glass because they are more prone to shattering from the heat and flame. Use a cheaper and heavier glass instead.
• Keep a fire extinguisher, glass of water or some other fire suppression method at hand.  Should the glass explode the flaming alcohol could run all over and start a very bad fire, remember, alcohol IS a fire accelerant!
• Do NOT stick any part of your body in or near the drink until you are positive the flames are extinguished. If it's too light outside you may not see the flames clearly as alcohol flames burn blue.
• Do not serve this to someone who has clearly had too much to drink. 
• Do not do this in the presence of children.  Don't give them any more dangerous ideas!

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CHOCOLATE CAKE MARTINI & HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE CAKE LIQUEUR RECIPE

Since I have made several versions of Chocolate Vodka and Chocolate Liqueurs, I decided it might be fun to try a Chocolate Cake Vodka.

This was perfect because my birthday was coming up in a few weeks and I just had enough time for the chocolate to infuse in the booze and make myself a Chocolate (Birthday) Cake Martini.

I started with Pinnacle Cake Vodka because it tastes and smells just like yellow cake batter so if I could get chocolate into that I was in good shape. I decided to use one of my chocolate candy liqueur recipe techniques because they are easy and all I needed to do was add that chocolate. The Chocolate Cake Liqueur recipe and steps are below the cocktail recipe.

As for the cocktail, you'll see that I had a birthday candle attached to my martini glass. That was a simple enough procedure, I took chocolate chips, melted them in the microwave for about a minute and a half, poured a little into a plate to rim the glass and the rest into a star shaped candy mold. I stuck the candle into the chocolate star and let that cool in the fridge along with the rimmed glass. Then I melted a bit more chocolate and used that as the "glue" to stick the star to the glass rim!

The
CHOCOLATE (BIRTHDAY) CAKE MARTINI

INGREDIENTS:

1 Oz. Homemade Chocolate Cake Vodka

1 Oz. Godiva Chocolate Liqueur

1 Oz. Cream

Garnish: 1 C. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, melted to rim glass

Optional - if it's your birthday: Molded Chocolate Star with a Birthday Candle

DIRECTIONS:

Melt the chocolate chips in a saucer large enough for the glass rim to fit. Dip the rim into the melted chocolate and let cool.

Make your chocolate star candle holder and attach to rim.

Pour your homemade Chocolate Cake Vodka, the Godiva Liqueur and cream into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake until chilled.

Pour into your glass, light the candle and serve.

HOW TO MAKE CHOCOLATE CAKE LIQUEUR

Take 12 ounces of very dark, bittersweet chocolate and chop up into small pieces with a knife. The darker and less sweet chocolate is better because Cake Vodka has enough sweetness on it's on.

Put the chopped chocolate into a blender with a 750 milliliter bottle of cake vodka and rough blend this. Don't get it too blended or you'll end up with a syrup.

Pour this all into a quart glass jar that has a sealable lid and place in the refrigerator for two weeks or up to a month. Shake at least once a day.

When your cake vodka has absorbed enough of the chocolate flavor for you, strain it first through a large metal strainer and then, little by little, through a coffee filter lined strainer.  Use a new coffee filter each time you fill the strainer and be patient as this takes time. The coffee filter is straining out all the solids which can make your liqueur grainy.

Once your Chocolate Cake Liqueur is completely strained you can pour it into a decorative bottle, label it and enjoy or share!

National Chocolate Cake Day is January 27th.

Updated 1-2021

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HAPPY "ENJOY BEING A GIRL DAY" - We Deserve It!

I DECLARE JULY 26th as ENJOY BEING A GIRL DAY!
GIRL'S NIGHT OUT MARTINI

(Plus a few more!)

TAKE A GIRL DAY!

Something every girl should know how to do is enjoy being a girl.  For me that usually means taking a vacation from the drudgery of everyday life, skipping out and going on a luxury shopping trip then ending the day with martinis with my besties!

I think most women are born with the shopping gene, but for those of you who have had it stomped on - put your stilettos on and do some stomping back! There's nothing that calms the emotions, soothes the ego and unruffles feathers more than a full day of throwing caution to the wind, spending a ton of money on yourself then enjoying a few martinis with your best friends! Well, almost nothing, but we're talking "Girls Night Out" here.....

I don't know why, but ordering your own limo, getting something frivolous for yourself, having a couple of martinis, filling shopping bags with stuff you don't need and maybe even taking in a romantic comedy along the way all combine to put a smile on any girls face!

So here's my list - in order and with tongue firmly in cheek - of how to fully utilize "Enjoy Being A Girl Day" by spending money and pampering yourself. Feel free to go it alone or share with your girlfriends:

First, you have to order up your own limo and driver for the day. Parking is a pain and alcohol is in the itinerary! One day of a limo rental is a lot less expensive than a DUI, way more fun and seriously more convenient for the schedule.

Is your limo here with your very young and attractive wannabe actor/chauffeur yet? Good. Let's start our "Enjoy Being A Girl" Shopathon!:

• You'll want to look good today, so, after a stop for a quick mocha latte, head right to the spa for a hair styling, some war paint and a mani-pedi. A few hours of pampering and you're done!  Now, you're looking good and no witch shop girl at any chi-chi boutique would dare snub you!
• It's probably around lunchtime now so head off to your favorite bistro for a wonderful gourmet salad and a lovely Bellini Martini. Take a teeny little detour first to your favorite jewelry store and buy yourself something sparkly. Bling is always a "Enjoy Being A Girl" must.
• Now that you're refreshed and properly warm and fuzzy from your Bellini (and the little bit of bling you just bought.), it's time for the serious shopping! Gird your Prada bag, hoist your credit cards and Charge!
• The shopping spree must buys are: One article of clothing that is not practical, One pair of divine shoes that make your legs look stupendous, a box of very expensive chocolates, something goofy that makes you laugh and a little gift for your BFF. These are mandatory purchases - everything else is gratis!
• BTW, You are a Goddess! You do not shop in malls! Go to the ritzy part of town and hit the snooty, upscale boutiques! Remember to keep your nose highly elevated and drawl this often, "oh, that's just too Paris Hilton for me!" then put it back like it's smelly trash, this will put the witchy shop girls in their place!
• Are your shopping bags full yet? Okay, then now it's time to take a little break and see a movie or enjoy a nice twelve dollar fruit smoothie with some rum in it! Ah, wasn't that a good break?
• Oh, look! It's time to pretend shop for cars! Get yourself right over to the foreign car dealer and saunter around the Ferraris and Aston Martins like you just can't make up your mind. If you've sauntered right and your stilettos look like Jimmy Choos, you'll hook a salesman and maybe score a test drive! At the end of the test drive, when the salesman starts getting pushy tell him to give you a card and you'll have your business manager call him, then saunter back on out of the dealership to your waiting limo.
• You are now into the solid Cocktail Hour so head yourself (and any BFFs) right over to the hippest little martini bar in town and order up a few Girl's Night Out Martinis. A nice plate of appetizers would be a perfect way to deal with that peckish feeling in your tummy and let you have just one more little 'tini before heading home.
• Wait, did we get everything? Sexy shoes, rich and calorie laden chocolates, jewelry, some trinkets and gifts? Uh-oh, what about lingerie?? We forgot the lingerie and no "Enjoy Being A Girl Day" is complete without one or two little strips of intimate-attire silk!  Back tracking takes energy so grab a Drunk on Espresso Martini for a little boost and head over to Victoria's Secret before they close!
• Whew. Disaster averted. You have gotten yourself beautified, completed the shopping mission objectives, enjoyed cocktails and cuisine, a few laughs and you enjoyed "Being A Girl" in style!
• Back in the limo? Great, now relax, kick off those skyscraper pumps, riffle through all your booty and enjoy the quiet of the limo on the way home while you sip a nice Dessert Martini and savor your "Enjoy Being A Girl Day" memories. Mission Accomplished!

HAPPY "ENJOY BEING A GIRL DAY"

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