Pickled pear tomatoes: Little Darlings

My parents have always subscribed to the cocktail as part of a civilized existence.  It was a pre-dinner ritual at our house that included a Manhattan for my Lovely Mother, and a Martini for Papa Ron.   The Lord of the Manor is also a Martini man, so despite the fact that they have always been a little, ah, medicinal for me I know from gin!

Frickin' Oreo martini?

Nowadays, a martini has come to mean anything liquor served up in a stemmed cocktail glass including abominations like the birthday cake martini, the bacon martini, and the no-joke-it-really-exists deep fried Oreo martini.

Oh.
My.
God.

A Martini is made with gin and vermouth and garnished with a twist or an olive.  That's it.  A vodka martini is always referred to as a vodka martini--but at least it is still the bracing palate cleansing, appetite piquing, relaxing drink as sure as god made juniper berries and herbs.

So, bearing that in mind, according to Papa Ron, it is acceptable to substitute any small savory pickled vegetables without losing the spirit of the drink (get it?  spirit?  drink?  anyone?)

Last year I found myself with an abundance of green tomatoes from my garden.  While the larger varieties work well in chow chow and fried, the little midgets were a puzzle.  But I hate to throw food away, so I looked for a way to pickle them (when in doubt, add vinegar and spices, amirite?)  The results were not only the cutest little jars you've ever seen, according to The Lord of the Manor they are just aces for Martinis.  Papa Ron seems to agree.  I have added them to my Bloody Mary's (breakfast in a glass!) to good effect as well.

Yes, Virginia, there are ripe tomatoes here too.  Separate them!

To make the little darlings you will need:

~4 C green pear or grape tomatoes without stems and well washed
1/2 C white vinegar
1 qt water
1/3 C kosher or canning salt
1 t celery seed
1 t mustard seed
1 t peppercorns
2 cloves garlic, chopped
Hot chilis (fresh or dried) to taste
2 pint jars, lids and rings

In a large nonreactive pot, add vinegar, water and salt and bring to a boil stirring to make sure all the salt is dissolved.

Spice it up!

Sterilize the jars and fill with hot water while the pickling solution cooks.

Pour out the hot water and divide the spices equally between the jars.  Fill the jars with the tomatoes, shaking down to pack relatively tightly.

Pour in the hot pickling solution leaving ~1/4 inch (2mm) headspace.  Wipe off jar rims and place sterilized lids and rings.  Tighten gently and leave to cool.

Hi, I'm adorable.  And delicious.

Once cooled, place the jars in the refrigerator where they will keep for at least 4 months.

The classic Papa Ron martini:

2 parts gin
1 part dry vermouth
serve over ice cubes in a double rocks glass
Garnish with multiple olives, gerhkins, cocktail onions (yes this is a Gibson), or baby pickled tomatoes.

The author and Papa Ron ca.1994.  Martinis in the background.