Just in time for New Year’s gatherings; a re-visit to one of my favorite party spreads – Dirty Martini Cheese – cream cheese with olives, olive juice, garlic, and stuff.
When first I tried this recipe out, I split the recipe in two – one half with vodka added and one half without, and adjusted seasonings appropriately. Not too surprisingly, the half with vodka added proved to be the more popular, so I’ve stuck with that, and made a few adjustments for our final gathering of the season.
INGREDIENTS
•8 oz cream cheese
•1 tbsp mayonnaise
•1/4 cup chopped green olives
•2 tbsp olive juice
•1/4 tsp black pepper
•1/4 tsp garlic powder
•1/8 tsp celery salt
•2 tbsp vodka
•1/2 tsp olive juice
•1 tsp sliced olives (optional)
Bring the cream cheese to room temperature, then add the mayonnaise, chopped green olives, seasonings, vodka, and olive juice and mix until well blended.
Taste, and add more olive juice, if you think it needs it, then fold in the sliced olives (if using), cover and chill.
Serve in a martini glass with crackers, endive, or little flatbread stars – it’s all good.
Oh, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!