Advent Calendar - A very Merry Mary!

The bloody mary... the best damn drink in the world (after beer and coffee).  In our house there is an enthusiasm for the bloody mary.  This summer we hosted a housewarming type party with a full, and impressive bloody mary bar, including an absurd selection of mixes, vodkas that I infused with basil, cucumber, peppers, and lemongrass, and about 15 jars of homemade lacto-fermented vegetables, in addition to vegetables, meats, hot sauces, and cheese that were purchased.  It was absurd, and a good time was had by all.

 

Today's bloody mary was a little more specific.  Since it is Advent, I wanted to stick to traditional Christmassy colors.  So, I started by frying 2 pieces (cut in half) of Appleton Farms Hickory Bacon (from Aldi - great value!).  Then I put two cubes each of white cheddar and havarti on these fancy tree skewers, and filled a wooden skewer with grape tomatoes, green olives, and a basil leaf.  Now the drink!  In a ball jar I added about 6 oz Savor and Salt Mexican Bloody Mary Mix (we're usually ZingZang fans, but we try different brands and make our own from time to time), 2 oz Tito's Vodka, and topped off with ice.  The bacon and skewers were added to the jar, and a Miller High Life and Coffee served on the side.  After the photos were taken Joel comes into the room with a plate full of pickled asparagus, green bean, and green tomatoes, a Claussen Hot & Spicy Kosher Dill, and some additional hot salami.  A perfect winter morning breakfast for a day dedicated to chores!