Classic Canadian Caesar Cocktail with Homemade Tomato and Clam Juice
Ingredients:
4 in-season, heirloom toamtoes
1/2 c. finely diced white cooking onion or shallot
1 celery stock
1 large garlic clove
1 Tbsp. Pizzaiolo Olive Oil (or try Tuscan Herb or Pepperoncini Olive Oil)
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
2.5 c. water
1.5 tsp. sea salt
1 c. clam juice
2 tsp. chili powder
3 Tbsp. Sicilian Lemon White Balsamic
2 tsp. dried parsley
3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp. Tabasco sauce (or to taste)
In a medium sauce pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add onions, sauteing until translucent. Add garlic, tomatoes, and celery. Stir and cook until fully cooked through and everything is very soft.
Add the rest of the ingredients to the pot. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow to cool a bit. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth, then strain through a sieve. Strain a second time through smaller strainer to achieve smoother texture. Allow juice to fully cool.
Use juice to make your favourite tomato-based cocktail, such as the Classic Canadian Caesar:
4 parts homemade tomato and clam juice
1 part vodka
Serve with your favourite garnishes such as lemon, celery, parsley, grilled shrimp or a pepperoni stick.