Down and Derby!

Well friends I'm BACK! I had a lovely time traveling and spending time with my parents.  I got back just in time to catch the Derby Fever that is sweeping the Bluegrass State.  I love the Derby and everything that goes along with the Derby.  ( But I must say I am glad we are not going this year- looks like rain) I started celebrating this glorious weekend by dropping off a box of Bourbon Balls to M's office today.  But in order to fully celebrate (no matter where you are) you must do the following....

First and Foremost- 

Choose your Horse! 

West Side Bernie

Musket Man

Mr. Hot Stuff

Advice

Hold Me Back 

Friesan Fire

Papa Clem 

Mine that Bird

Join in the Dance

Regal Ransom 

Chocolate Candy

General Quarters

I want Revenge 

Atomic Rain 

DunKirk 

Pioneer of the Nile

Summer Bird 

Desert Party 

Nowhere to Hide

Flying Private

I am betting on "Mine that Bird"

 Then BET Here!

Next... have a Mint Julep 

Perfect Mint Julep
Makes 1 mint julep
3 ounces Kentucky bourbon 
Mint leaves  
2 tablespoons mint simple syrup, recipe follows
Crush a few mint leaves in the bottom of a hi-ball glass.  Add 2 tablespoons of syrup and muddle ingredients together to release oils from mint. Then fill the glass with crushed ice. Add bourbon and stir until glass is frosted. Top with more crushed ice.  To serve, garnish with a fresh sprig of mint. 

Mint Syrup: 
1 cup sugar 
1 cup water 
1 bunch fresh mint sprigs 

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water. Boil for 5 minutes, without stirring. 

Pour over a handful of mint and gently crush the mint with a spoon. Refrigerate syrup mixture overnight in a jar with a lid. Remove mint leaves and keep refrigerated. This will be good for several weeks. 

Now.... Have a slice of Derby Pie!

INGREDIENTS:

Single pie crust, which you can make from your very own recipe. If you're too rushed for that, we recommend those wonderful Pillsbury crusts that you merely have to put in the pie pan and crimp! Find them in the refrigerated biscuit section of the supermarket.

Filling:

1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled

2 eggs

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

2 tablespoons Kentucky Bourbon

Beat eggs with cooled butter. Add flour & sugar. Beat until mixed well. Stir in pecans, chocolate & bourbon. Pour mixture into pie shell. Bake at 350° for about 30 minutes, or until set. Serve with fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, or both!

Enjoy your day looking oh so sassy in a great dress and hat!