A Businessman's Lunchis turn of phrase meaning a martini for lunch. This might be commonplace for that corner-office executive, but what about the working folk who don't get to enjoy a stiff martini over a lunchtime meeting? Why not bring your own Businessman's Lunch To-go with vodka-infused-tomato-gel slices hidden inside a classic BLT sandwich!

You can make your own Businessman's Lunch To-go (BLT) by gelatinising tomato juice with vodka, the perfect way to enjoy a boozy lunch without going to the bar.

Enough talk, let's gelatinize something!

Step 1: Ingerdients + Recipe

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vodka tomato gel

vodka
tomato juice
powder gelatine
blender

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BLT sandwich

bacon
bread
mayonnaise
lettuce
~~tomato~~
bacon

Step 2: Mix

I measured equal parts vodka and tomato juice, 50ml (1.5oz)each.

For the gelatine to dissolve the liquid it will be mixed with needs to be hot. I heated the vodka tomato mixture in the microwave for about 2 minutes on high, then poured the hot mixture into a blender with fresh basil, the powder gelatine was sprinkled on top.
As anyone who has made alcoholic jello shooters before knows, alcohol and gelatine aren't always the best of friends and sometimes more gelatine is needed to ensure the liquid set firm. For my 100ml (3oz) of liquid I used 4-5ml (about 1 teaspoon).

The hot mixture was blended for about 30 seconds to ensure good incorporation of all the ingredients.

Step 3: Pour Into Mold

Once the mixture has been blended it's poured into a mold, I chose this shape as it would allow me to easily cut thin sheets once formed. The mold I used was a plastic soap travel case from the Dollar Store.

Place the mold with the vodka tomato mix into the fridge for a few hours until it cools and gelatinizes. Mine took about 3 hours to set. Once firm to the touch remove from fridge and gently remove the gel from the mold.

Step 4: Remove From Form and Cut to Shape

I decided to fillet my vodka tomato gel because I like thin sliced tomatoes and this method doubles the amount of 'tomatoes' I get from this small mold.

I used a circular cookie cutter to make the round shape. They look just like real tomatoes!

Step 5: Make Sammie

Making a BLT is really easy (like you didn't know):

bread (or toast)
bacon
lettuce
~~tomatoes~~ vodka tomato gel
mayonnaise

I like to mix things up, so I used bok choy (aka pak choi) instead of lettuce, vodka tomato gel in lieu of boring tomatoes, and added green onion and freshly ground pepper. Oh and bacon, obviously.

Step 6: Lunchtime!

You're ready for your next boozy lunch, best of all you don't even have to leave the office!
Enjoy your sandwich, and if you brought a few BLT's to work (because you're really hungry) then make sure you take the transit home after work.

Have you made your own gelatinized boozy-food creation? Share a picture of your version in the comments below.

Have fun!