Blood Orange Jalapeño Martini

Last time we were in Vegas, they made us this drink at the Aureole at the Mandalay Bay.  Its got to be one of the best martinis I have ever had!  The host guaranteed we would like it and we did.  I watched the bartender make it and tried to remember... I couldn't find blood oranges so I had to settle for navel oranges.  It might need a little more jalapeño, but I was pretty pleased with the result.

4 thin slices jalapeño pepper 
2 oz grey goose l orange vodka
1/2 oz simple syrup
2 1/2 oz fresh blood orange juice (2 oranges)
1 /4 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz cranberry juice
crushed ice

Remove the seeds from the jalapeño, unless you like it very spicy.  Muddle 3 of the jalapeño slices in a martini shaker, leaving last slice for garnish.  Add remaining ingredients and shake.  Serve straight up with the last slice of jalepeno.

Roasted Tomato, Mozzarella Pasta with Olives

I made this recipe up tonight.  I used what I had in the house.  It turned out pretty good.  You have to almost burn the tomatoes to get a good roasted flavor.

2 pints grape tomatoes
5 cloves garlic, diced
8 sprigs fresh thyme, stems removed
olive oil
1 dozen kalamata olives, diced
2 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, diced
6-8 oz cavatelli pasta, cooked
8-10 fresh basil leaves, cut

Roast tomatoes with garlic, thyme and olive oil at 425 for about 30 minutes stirring several times until just starting to burn.  Toss with pasta, olives and cheese. Top with basil.