Tag: Kentucky Derby

Kentucky Derby Bars

This recipe transforms Aunt Hen’s Brownie Pie into a bar cookie that spreads the nut-studded chocolate-y wealth of a dessert for eight into thirty or so delicious four-bite portions.

Rosemary Biscuits filled with slivers of country ham, topped with rosemary flowers on an antique plate.

Wonderful Little Rosemary Biscuits

You may think biscuits sound rather ordinary but, in the moment, they may turn out to be the best thing you ever tasted. Try some of these fragrant little Rosemary Biscuits for yourself to see if you agree.

A Kentucky Country Ham studded with cloves and topped with a brown sugar glaze is carved and ready to enjoy.

My Old Kentucky (Country) Ham

I think of Country Ham as particularly unique and a bit mysterious. Cooking this regional specialty from hook to table takes some time and attention but there is nothing quite like the delicious flavor of a country ham. In the end, the outcome is well worth the extra effort.

Candied Bourbon Bacon Bites served on a wood tray.

Candied Bourbon Bacon Bites

To a Kentucky girl with a heart for traditional Kentucky flavors, this recipe for Candied Bourbon Bacon Bites stands out as both special and uncomplicated. In fact it uses only three ingredients most Kentucky cooks are likely to have on hand: bacon, brown sugar and bourbon.

Derby Classics – Benedictine Spread

Benedictine Spread is a delightfully fresh tasting spread for tea sandwiches. It makes a perfect addition to a classic Derby Day celebration, a Mother’s Day Tea or any spring gathering. It can also be served as a tasty dip for fresh vegetables or as a spread for crackers. As my sister-in-law promised, it is easy to make and surprisingly delicious.

Bourbon Spiced Pecans served in a natural wooden bowl

Bourbon Spiced Pecans

This recipe is just the thing for introducing a touch of Kentucky hospitality to any occasion. Clipped from a newspaper some years ago, this easy recipe can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container. Served as a snack these tasty nibbles offer an interesting mixture of sugar and spice that reflects the flavors of the region.

Pan-Seared Salmon with Chipotle Honey-Lime Bourbon Glaze served with Sugar Snap Peans and a Lemon Rice Pilaf.

Glazed Pan-Seared Salmon

While in Kentucky I also enjoyed the sunny attitude of the people there. It seemed that everywhere we went we were greeted with smiles, with interest, with the energy of thoughtful intentions…

A Slice of Kentucky Country Ham covered with Red Eye Gravy served on a dinner plate beside Southern Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes and a sliced Biscuit.

Kentucky Country Ham and Red Eye Gravy

When I want a menu that tastes like home I cook Country Ham Steaks drizzled with Red Eye Gravy. Serve alongside Southern Style Green Beans, and mashed potatoes or Cheese Grits, then finish with a slice of Derby Pie, for an authentic taste of the Bluegrass region.

A Serving of Southern Style Green Beans with bits of ham.

Southern Style Green Beans

While they take their own sweet thyme getting ready, the wonderful old-fashioned flavor of Southern Style Green Beans is worth the wait. Just put them on early and let them simmer slowly on the back of the stove. They are quite simple to put together and they go with almost everything.