Blissful Birthday Boy!

I can't say I enjoy it when a family members birthday falls on a 'school night' but c'est la vie! Given the fact that February is birthday month in this household (with the exception of one) it is severely impractical for us to all expect or demand a birthday party so we usually allow the little ones to have their moment when the day arises.

The first day of Spring has finally sprung here on our green island and lucky husband of mine wanted to celebrate by gardening.......I know what you are thinking SAD.com. It is his thing. I arrived home a wee bit late today to find him and the crumb catchers up to their elbows in shite muck out in the poly tunnel and all of them grinning ear to ear. The garlic is almost knee high (the little ones knees) and all the salad greens are starting to thrive. What gardener could ask for anything more on his birthday!

As I was appointed 'head chef and dish bitch' for the evening I thought it only wise (pun intended) that I get hubby's evening off  to a smooth start, just in case I made a total mess of dinner.  That way he'd be happy enough not to give a crap! I grabbed my two favourite glasses and loaded them with ice. This is one of the most important steps you need to adhere to if you decide to treat you someone special to a Wonderful Wise Martini. Now, before you reach for your favourite tipple be it Gin or Vodka you need to contemplate just what exactly it is you are longing for? Will it be sweet or will it be dirty? 

Considering our first date and drink together was a good old fashioned Dirty Martini made with Bombay Sapphire I thought (seeing as I was also self appointed bartender) Why Not! Rummaging through the far depths of the kitchen cupboards I found my last jar of scrummy Tipsy Olives. http://www.sableandrosenfeld.com/

I grabbed the Cashel Blue from the cheese board (better when it is a little soft) and got to stuffing the olives. WiseTip: These keep nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week assuming no one finds them and eats them.

It only takes a few minutes to do this yourself. Do not buy the pre stuffed ones - the olives are inferior and the bleu is not Cashel Blue. Enough said. The best kind of martini olives are actually Spanish Gordal Olives which are not easy to find. If you find them, buy them, pit them and soak them in vodka. Then send me a jar!

Now as we approach tasting perfection, measure out a healthy pour of gin into your cocktail shaker (already packed with ice). Add a splash of Noilly Prat dry vermouth (do not chintz out on the schwag here, get the good stuff) and add a nice splash of the olive juice from the jar. Not too much or your drink will taste like salt. Shake until your fingers are burning from ice burn and sticking to the outside of the cocktail shaker. I am serious. No pain, no gain.