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