Salads
Seafood Salad Martini
with Vodka Habanero Dressing
1 whole fresh habanero chile, or Scotch Bonnet Chile, seeded and chopped 1 ripe mango, peeled and cubed 1 sweet red pepper, stemmed, seeded and diced 28 ozs. crushed tomatoes or 1 1/2 fresh tomatoes, chopped 1 carrot, peeled and diced 1/4 dry mustard 2 1/2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar 1/4 cup cider vinegar 4 tablespoons Vodka (unflavored) 2 1/2 garlic cloves 1 teaspoon curry powder 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon cocktail sauce ( may subsititute ketchup ) ( or perhaps salsa ) 3 lbs. fresh seafood of choice ( shrimp, scallops, mussels, or lobster ) steamed and cooked strips of celery, julienned and a twist of lemon or lime for garnish ( optional ) Combine all ingredients except seafood and garnish in a large saucepan, bring to a boil and simmer for 1 hour. Puree in a blender or food processor; taste and adjust seasonings. Cool salad for at least an hour before serving. To assemble: Pick a beautiful martini glass. Layer seafood and dressing to top of glass. ( If you have additional sauce, freeze it and save for another time ) Chill for at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish *see below* and top with 1 ounce crab meat per serving. ( Garnish is optional but truly makes the presentation awesome ! ) **NOTE** Habanero's and Scotch Bonnet's are among the hottest chile's to be found! I can't stress this enough! They are not for general consumption; they are for chile heads only!!!!! For you who prefer something tamer; try fresh jalapeno Remember !!!! Wear gloves when handling peppers and don't touch bare skin, eyes or nose. ( If your nose itches scratch it with a pot scrubber )
