dirty martini crostini
You dirty, dirty girl.
Ingredients
- 2 cups green olives (an unstuffed variety)
- 1/3 cup + 2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1 tbsp dry vermouth
- 3-4 tbsp olive brine, not oil!, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 6 oz blue cheese, such as gorgonzola
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 loaf ciabatta or crusty baguette
- fresh herbs, for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the olives with 1/3 cup olive oil, the vodka, 2 tablespoons of the olive brine, the vermouth, garlic, lemon zest, and a big pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir. Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes while you prep the rest of the components.
- In a food processor, combine the blue cheese, cream cheese, 1 tablespoon of olive brine, and a pinch of salt and pepper. With the processor running, drizzle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Continue to whip until the cheese is very creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes, stopping the machine and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to reincorporate.
- Slice the ciabatta or baguette. Brush both sides with a bit of olive oil, and toast under the broiler (or with your preferred toasting method) for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Spread the blue cheese onto the crostini and top with 4 or 5 marinated olives. Serve with fresh herbs!
Notes
*Vermouth substitute: If you can't find or don't feel like buying vermouth, you can use an equal amount of sherry vinegar.