I didn't always love cooking. I grew up with a mother who was raised an army brat, on an army base in Honolulu. She thought SPAM was a delicacy. So, the art of cooking has been a whole new adventure for me. Come join me on this crazy but interesting foray into the Wonderful World of Cooking. I don't always nail my dish, but I promise to never use Spam. Ever.
In celebration of our upcoming trip to visit our daughter In L.A. (we're staying in Santa Monica on the beach this time), I decided to try making the divine *Burning Mandarin Martinis* made at Katsuya Hollywood, when we visited last year. Last time we stayed downtown at The Omni and it involved waaay too much driving.
I was so disappointed with the outcome of my mixology efforts that I could barely drink it, but I did anyway. I wouldn't want to waste good vodka! Heaven forbid!
Perhaps you can do a better job of it, so here's the recipe:
Burning Mandarin Martinis:
2 slices of serrano chile pepper
1 1/2 ounces Absolut Mandarin Vodka
3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
1/2 ounce orange juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup
1/2 ounce cranberry juice
Muddle the chili slices. Add the rest of the ingredients and ice. Shake and strain into a glass. Garnish with peppers.
Oh - And I expect you to send me a sample of your efforts, virtually, that is. I'd love to see someone make it like it was at Katsuya. Have fun with it. I did, even though it turned out too tart...