[This one's for Kat ...]

Ok - so it's 6pm, snowing outside like a mother, you haven't mounted the studded tires on your car yet because you stubbornly believed it was NOT GOING TO SNOW. You've been working all day on your computer till your eyeballs threatened to abandon shop and peel out of your skull - and all's you want now is a soothing little martini.

That's not too much to ask for, is it?

Well, unfortunately, my fridge doesn't share that sentiment. Namely, by being completely devoid of martini ingredients, i.e. assorted fruit juices. Sure, there's a little cranberry juice. And some Gordon's in the freezer (I know.. I know... Pitiful). But that's about it.

What's a girl to do?

It's too late to hit the liquor store (thank-you-very-fucking-much, over-protective State of Oregon), and besides - a venture to any store is not an option right now. Not with ice on the road and slicks on.

Goddammit.

Ok - so back to the drawing board. I survey my fridge. Hey - I have fresh blackberries I paid good money for (out of season)! What if... I combined the cranberry juice with the berries in the blender?

Done.
Oh.
Bitter.
Add ice and vodka in the shaker.
Still bitter.

Another peek in the fridge. What do I have that's liquid and sweet? I'm out of chocolate syrup (that has been applied to other creative uses - note to self: buy more).

But - I *do* have whipping creme.

No - I couldn't.
Wait.
Sure I can.
What the hell.

I add whipping creme to the shaker. I shake vigorously. I pour.

Oh. Look at that. How pretty. It looks like a purple universe, populated by tiny white snowflakes.

I taste.
Oh, hey....
Not bad.
I could have definitely done worse.

I christen it The Snowflake Martini (Note to Bend Distillery: Trademark is pending on this one, fuckers).

I drink. I feel the alcohol take hold, relax me. My eyeballs decide to stay where they are. Yay.

All hail to the mother of invention. And that subsequent buzz.

Oh, Honey. I am SO Honored to have a martini dedicated to me. And I must try one soon. I only wish you were at Merenda's with me 30 minutes ago imbibing the perfect pumpkin martini.
Snowflake? Really? I must have one soon! And I have TWO shakers!

Such a potty mouth! ;^o

Heh. I tend to curse when I'm frustrated, Keeneye.

And is there anything more frustrating than not having stuff on hand to make your favorite drink?