So remember how I said I had something special planned for Monday nights this month?  Well, I do.

Alexis and I are having weekly Monday cocktail dates (which I can then blog about for the Happy Hour challenge — win/win right?).

So why Monday?  Is it simply because Mondays are the day of the week most in need of a little… pick-me-up?  Well, maybe.  But not really.  Alexis and I chose Mondays because we share a guilty pleasure…

Alexis and I love The Real Housewives of New Jersey.

Yes, it’s out in the open.  We can’t get enough of the drama, the big hair, those Jersey accents…

I’m not ashamed.  Well, maybe I’m a little ashamed.

Maybe it’s because Alexis and I come from a big Italian family; either way — we love this show.  Anyway, we will be having weekly Jersey cocktail hour.  Because what says Happy Hour more than trashy reality TV?

That’s right, nothing.

So last night was the premiere of the show, and the premiere of our weekly cocktail hour.  I made Vodka Lemon Fizz and crostini with ricotta, mint, peas, and prosciutto:

Both of these are really easy to make, and really, really delicious.

Let’s start with the cocktail, shall we?

This is basically fizzy lemonade with vodka added (what’s not to like, right?).  To make these, I squeezed a cup of lemon juice (I think this was 5-6 lemons?), and added 1/3 cup sugar (I’d add less next time — I like my lemonade more tart) and 5 cups of sparkling water.  I then poured the mix into a tall glass over ice and added a shot of vodka and a straw.  Done and done.  Easy right?

Be careful, you can’t really taste the alcohol in these, so I’m sure it would be quite easy to knock a few back before realizing you’re already toasted.  (I love you…  Srsly.  You’re soooo pretty.)

Ok, so crostini:

To make these, I cut up a baguette, layed the slices out on a baking sheet, drizzled them with olive oil, salt and pepper, then baked them for 10 minutes at 400º.

While the crostini were in the oven, I made the topping.  For the topping, I mixed half a tub of ricotta with some salt and pepper, a squeeze of lemon, a little minced mint, and some frozen peas which I just rinsed in warm water to defrost.  This mix went onto the crostini and then was topped with a slice of prosciutto.  Literally a 15 minute dish from start to finish.

These little toasts may be low-maintenance, but let me tell you, they’re delicious!  This is a great spring appetizer, and these little babies would fit in at any party.

So there you have it: mine and Alexis’ first Monday Jersey cocktail date.  If you’d like to join us (in reality or in spirit), we’d love to have you!  (But once you’re in the family, you’re in the family for life.)

Not sure what next week will be… but let’s hope for lots of reality drama and a cocktail pairing just as delicious as this one!  Until next time…