Spoonable Bloody Marys

• HEALTHY
• MAKE-AHEAD
• STAFF-FAVORITE

Ingredients

1. 2 1/4 teaspoons unflavored powdered gelatin (1 envelope)
2. 3 1/2 cups tomato juice
3. 1/2 cup vodka
4. Salt and freshly ground pepper
5. 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
6. 5 celery ribs, peeled and coarsely chopped
7. 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
8. 1/4 cup heavy cream
9. 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
10. 2 tablespoons finely shredded basil

1. In a small saucepan, sprinkle the gelatin over 1 cup of the tomato juice and let stand until softened, about 5 minutes. Set the saucepan over moderate heat and stir until the juice is warm and the gelatin has dissolved completely, about 4 minutes; do not let the juice get too hot.
2. Pour the juice into a glass measuring cup and stir in the remaining 2 1/2 cups of tomato juice and the vodka. Season with salt, pepper and the Worcestershire sauce, then pour into whiskey tumblers. Refrigerate until set, at least 6 hours or overnight.
3. In a blender, puree the celery with the lemon juice. Strain the puree through a fine sieve and season with salt. Cover the celery juice and refrigerate.
4. In a medium bowl, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Add the hot sauce, season with salt and whip until firm. Cover and refrigerate.
5. Add 2 tablespoons of the celery juice to each glass of tomato jelly. Top with heaping teaspoons of the hot pepper cream and the shredded basil. Serve with small spoons.