The Kentucky Derby is a little over a month away and as most Louisvillians are doing, I have been              checking out the know-all of Derby 135. I have started the search with beverages as one can assume    would be a hot item for the Kentucky Derby Party. I found a couple of links where you can purchase pre-maid Mint Julep mixes and the special silver glasses that you are supposed to drink out of . I have been researching the history of the Mint Julep and there are several different stories of how it came to be. According to some of the sites I have been reading Louisville is also famous for Mint Julep Brownies, which I was unaware of! I also found a recipe for a Mint Julep Martini. If anyone else has anything interesting about Mint Juleps, feel free to share.

Kentucky Mint Julep Mix
Mint Julep Mix
Mint Julep Cups
Mint Julep Glasses

Mint Julep Brownies
1 (21.5 oz.) pkg. fudge brownie mix
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. oil
1 egg
1/2 c. mint chocolate chips
1/2 c. chopped pecans
2-3 tbsp. bourbon (optional)
2 c. confectioners’ sugar
1/4 c. butter, softened
2 tbsp. mint jelly or jellied mint sauce with mint leaves
1-3 tsp. milk
Glaze (recipe follows)
Pecan halves & mint leaves (optional garnish)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch pan.

In large bowl, combine brownie mix, water, oil and egg. Beat 50 strokes by hand. Stir in mint chocolate chips and pecans. Spread batter in greased pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until center is set. Drizzle 2 to 3 tablespoons of bourbon over hot brownies if desired. Cool completely.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat confectioners’ sugar, butter, mint jelly and enough milk to bring mixture to spreading consistency. Spread over cooled brownies.

Prepare Glaze: When it’s slightly cool, spoon the glaze over the filling, spreading to cover. Garnish with pecan halves and mint leaves. Store in refrigerator. Makes 36 bars.

Glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 1 cup mint chocolate chips with 1/4 cup butter, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat; stir in 1 teaspoon bourbon or vanilla. Cool slightly.

Mint Julep Martini

2 parts of orange liqueur
2 parts of Kentucky bourbon
1/4 oz Vanilla Vodka
1/4 oz Peppermint Schnapps

2 more Derby contenders were recently added:

I want Revenge

Win Willy

April is the kick off month for The Kentucky Derby, there are several events taking place in April that revolve around the Derby. April 9th seems to be the hot date for numerous events. Galopalooza is taking place from April 9-11. Galopalooza has a few separate events happening within the event. April 9th the Kentucky Derby Museum is hosting ‘Simply Chic’, a fashion show. The same night AT&T is hosting a spring fashion show.  Most of the events hosted are a ticketed admission and serve cocktails. Check out the event for more explicit details.

The Kentucky Derby is approaching quickly. It is about that time that you start deciding what events you will grace with your presence. For the next couple of weeks I will be supplying you with updated party locations, times, and ticket prices. If you know of any that you would like to share, please feel free, Louisvillians are not people who turn down a chance to party!!

I just saw an updated list of Derby contenders and thought I would share them. There have been a few added and a few dropped since the initial list.

Beethoven
Desert Party
Friesan Fire
Old Fashioned
Pioneerof the Nile
Quality Road
Stardom Bound
Square Eddie
The Pamplemousse
Vineyard Haven

I was reading the Scene from Saturday’s Courier-Journal and I found a very interesting article that I would like to share. Dee’s craft store is hosting a class to assist with the design of your Derby Hat. They are going to have staff on hand with tips and suggestions. The cost is $20.00. With the economy the way it is, there is no better way to save more money for betting then making your own Derby hat. The class will be hosted Wednesday March 11, 2009 from 6pm-8pm at their Shelbyville Road location. Enjoy!