Virgin Mary Aspic Recipes

"VIRGIN MARY" ASPIC

Steps:

• Quarter medium tomatoes and chop celery. In a food processor purée quartered tomatoes until smooth and transfer to a heavy saucepan. Add celery, basil, salt, and sugar and simmer, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Force mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl, pressing hard on solids.
• Have ready a large bowl of ice and cold water. In a small bowl sprinkle gelatin over water and let soften 1 minute. Add gelatin mixture to hot tomato mixture, stirring until gelatin is dissolved. Stir in horseradish juice, Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon vinegar. Set bowl in bowl of ice water and stir until cool. Divide tomato mixture among four 1/2-cup molds or ramekins. Chill aspics, loosely covered, until firm, at least 4 hours, and up to 2 days.
• In a small bowl whisk together oil, remaining 2 tablespoons vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Dip bottom of 1 mold or ramekin into a bowl of hot water 3 seconds and run a thin knife around edge. Invert a plate over mold or ramekin and invert aspic onto plate. Unmold remaining aspics, 1 at a time, in same manner.
• Surround aspics with cherry or currant tomatoes and drizzle tomatoes with vinaigrette. Garnish tomatoes with basil.

TOMATO ASPIC

Steps:

• In large bowl, sprinkle unflavored gelatin over 1 cup cold juice; let stand 1 minute.
• Add hot juice and stir until gelatin is completely dissolved, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in remaining 2 cups cold juice, lemon juice, sugar, worcestershire sauce, and hot pepper sauce.
• Pour into 5 1/2cup ring mold or bowl; chill until firm, about 4 hours.
• To serve, unmold and if desired, fill with your favorite salad greens, or cut-up fresh vegetables.
• **Applya thin layer of oil, or cooking spray to your mold or bowl to prevent aspic from sticking.