It was intriguing when Casey from Kitchen-Play.com asked me to participate in their Progressive Party because the “secret ingredient” was a mystery…

I was happy to find out that California Vegetable Specialities was the sponsor but I was also perplexed about how to create a California endive cocktail!

After a quick Google search, I surmised that I might be the first person to attempt an endive cocktail recipe.

This required some expert advice, so I ran it by Ted Reader while we were Eatn around Chicago.   He recommended a spicy Caesar cocktail.  It always amazes me how creative Ted is when we talk food.

I also researched Endive.com and discovered a wealth of information about California “on-deeve” including delicious recipes,  why consuming endive is healthy eating, and how it is grown…

Creating such a spirited veggie concoction would also require a taste tester, luckily my father was visiting…

Preparing this recipe is easy but you will need to start a few days ahead to make the California endive infused vodka.

Cut two heads of California Endive in half lengthwise and bake them at 325° F for 75-90 minutes, flipping every half hour, until they are browned and shriveled.

Place the baked California endive into a mason jar and cover with 2-3 cups of good quality vodka. Close the jar with a tight lid and allow the endive to “marinate” in the vodka for 3-4 days.

Strain the endive and discard it, then pour the infused vodka through a cheesecloth or coffee filter to remove any minute pieces of the vegetable. The infused vodka can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week if not used right away.

To prepare the Hail Caesar Endive Cocktail you will need:

• 1 cup ice
• 2 oz. California endive infused vodka
• 2 cups Clamato Juice
• Dash of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp. lemon juice, fresh squeezed
• Pinch of onion salt
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Large outer California endive leaves

For 2 cocktails:

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice,  California endive infused vodka, Clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, pinch of onion salt, and cayenne pepper.

Shake well and strain into a glass of ice.  Place an endive leaf into the glass to garnish.

We served our Hail Caesar cocktails with California endive boats that included chopped clams, Califonia endive Caesar salad and crumbled bacon.

My dad thought it was the best Bloody Mary style cocktail he’s ever had!

The California endive infused vodka can also be used for any type of cocktail that requires vodka.  It has a pleasant mild earthy taste that works well when mixed with sweet or acidic flavors.

Now you can get in on the fun by recreating one of this months Kitchen-Play recipes for a chance to win $100!

Simply recreate my recipe (or any of the others from this month’s event) and post about it to enter.  You can find complete contest rules here http://kitchen-play.com/contest-rules

Thank you for reading my blog and good luck.

Brad

Disclaimer:  This is a paid promotional advertisement for California Vegetable Specialties