Truly Mad

Sunday nights just got better! Have the Monday night blues? Not anymore! Now you can watch an episode of True Blood followed by Mad Men! Outstanding. (What? Do I watch too much TV? I didn't even mention Entourage...)

Don't forget to madmenyourself. I chose a vampy red dress and red lipstick for my Mad Men avatar so that she could easily transition from vampires to blood sucking advertising execs, all while clutching a vodka gimlet. (Actually I believe she's pictured with a martini, but I think she'd really be drinking a gimlet - vodka not gin).

Goat cheese stuffed Peppadew peppers

What to serve while enjoying this bounty of television goodness? Why not start with a refreshing Bloody Bellini and then snack on some goat cheese stuffed Peppadew peppers and True Blood Tomato Toast?

When you're ready to switch from bloody bubbles to some serious Stoli, whip up a few vodka gimlets. I think that gin gimlets are the real classics, but vodka gimlets were also popular during the Mad Men era. Some recipes use fresh limes, some use Rose's lime juice. I rather like the version that appeared in the NY Times this week. It incorporates fresh limes and a tiny bit of sugar, essentially a fresh version of Rose's.

Vodka Gimlet
1 1/2 ounces vodka (3 tablespoons)
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice (1 tablespoon)
1 teaspoon sugar

Place all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well. Strain into a shilled cocktail glass. Makes one drink.

But don't get carried away with those gimlets! There's still a whole hour of television. I consulted my vintage cookbooks for appetizer ideas and while I could have made a classic "relish" tray, it sounded too healthy (well, in comparison to the deviled ham and cheese balls). I liked the idea of a canapé (mostly because it sounds so retro...and I had the ingredients) served alongside a classic shrimp cocktail.

Cheese and Tomato Canapés

Cover the canapé base (melba toast or other cracker) with a slice of yellow cheese. Place thick slices cut from a small tomato on the cheese. Arrange the rounds on a small shallow pan and place under the broiler until the cheese melts and the tomatoes begin to brown. Garnish with a sprig of parsley. Serve hot.

Shrimp Cocktail

Place chilled, cooked shrimp in cocktail glasses and cover with cocktail sauce. Serve lemon wedges on the side if desired. (I could have made my own cocktail sauce, but I was lazy and just bought a bottle. Make sure it's cold when you serve it.)

Bottoms up!

Vodka Gimlet

Tomato Cheese Canapés

Shrimp Cocktail