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Kentucky Derby and Mint Juleps
Mint Juleps have become a part of the Kentucky Derby experience. It seems like people either love them or hate them, with no middle ground. If you’re not into drinking a minty drink but want to share that beloved tradition, try a Mint Julep Cupcake.
In my book Vineyard to Table Cooking with Kentucky Wine, there’s a recipe for a Mint Julep Cupcake. It’s pretty, tastes delicious, and is a wonderful addition to Derby Day.
Order a book from butlerbooks.com and get ready to enjoy the race.
A perfect gift for Mother’s Day
Most Moms enjoy cooking, wine, and cooking with wine! Get her a copy of Vineyard to Table Cooking with Kentucky Wine and include a bottle of wine. She will think of you every time she cooks one of the many dishes. You can purchase a copy by going to butlerbooks.com
Wine Lover’s News
Spring is slow in coming to Kentucky this year, but it’s finally here. At our vineyards the vines are budding and wineries are either opening up after a long winter break or expanding their hours to accommodate those wine lovers who are looking for a fun place to visit. Wherever you live in the Commonwealth, check your local wineries for spring and summer hours, for activities, or events.
One of the biggest events coming soon is the Wine and Vine Fest in Nicholasville. This is always one of the best wine festivals in the state, and after alternate scheduling for the past couple years, is happening at the beginning of summer on June 18. Go to https://kywinefest.com/ to get information on the events and wineries scheduled to be there.
by adminSouthern Kentucky Book Fest
I will be discussing and signing Vineyard to Table Cooking with Kentucky Wine at the Southern Kentucky Book Fest on March 26, 2022. The Book Fest takes place from 9 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Knicely Conference Center, 2355 Nashville Road, Bowling Green, Kentucky.
If you are in the area or are looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday, this will be an interesting day. Authors from around the state will be gathering to sign and sell their books to the general public.
by admin15th Annual Wine Barrel Tasting for McConnell Springs
12 wineries in the Lexington area, 1922 House, Chenault, Chrisman Mill, Equus Run, First Vineyard, Grimes Mill, Hamon Haven, Harkness Edwards, Jean Farris, Lover’s Leap, Talon, and Wildside, are offering barrel wine tasting as a fundraiser for the Friends of McConnell Springs Park.
The first 500 participants will receive a souvenir wine glass, which will be taken to each of the wineries the participant chooses to visit.
You may start at any of the wineries and go to as many as you choose.
Here is a link to EventBrite.
National Drink Wine Day
Just in case you need a reminder or a reason, February 18, 2022 is Drink Wine Day! While wine is something to enjoy any day, some people need a special occasion. For those people, it’s Friday, and Drink Wine Day! Enjoy!
Happy Valentine’s Day
All you need is love
and wine!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Have a great day,
spent with your loved one
and a favorite wine!
A Valentine Gift for Couples to Share
If you’re looking for a special way to celebrate your love this Valentine’s Day, consider this romantic experience. Share the day together, choose a menu for a dinner together, shop, cook together, then enjoy some wine and the food you’ve made. The perfect gift for this occasion — a cookbook filled with recipes for the lovers among you. Try Wine Enhanced Bruschetta, Veal Meatballs in White Wine, and Chocolate Balsamic Truffles or maybe Tuscan Chicken and Peach Upside-Down Cake. Get your copy today from butlerbooks.com
A Valentine from Kentucky Wine Lover
As a special Valentine for you, I’m sharing one of my favorite recipes from Vineyard to Table Cooking with Kentucky Wine. Hope you enjoy trying this for Valentine’s Day!
This recipe was a labor of love for my husband on Valentine’s Day. These delicious brownies are time consuming and contain a lot of ingredients, but the recipe is a crowd pleaser.
Dark Chocolate Chewy Brownies
Serves 20- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 11 tablespoon melted butter
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoon pure vanilla
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups flour
- 12 ounces dark chocolate cooking wafers, melted
- ½ cup Cabernet Franc wine
- 1 cup peanut butter chips
- 1 cup black walnuts
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9 x 13 glass baking dish with oil and flour or a baking spray.
- Mix ingredients in the order listed in a large bowl, stirring after each.
- When blended, pour the browning batter into baking dish. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before cutting into pieces. Serve in a brownie style or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Looking forward to Spring
The last few months have been a series of up and downs, and ups and downs. As people say, “life happens”. Last summer we felt hope, only to be let down in the fall and winter. I don’t know about anyone else but I’m looking forward to spring and an even better summer. As a wine lover, I’m hopeful that spring and summer will bring about a return to the normalcy of visiting wineries, going to tastings, festivals, and events.
Keep watching for news and mark the dates. McConnell Springs has announced its annual Barrel Tasting will be held on March 26, 2022. The Wine and Vine Fest in Nicholasville has said save the date for June 18, 2022. Wineries are planning the new spring and summer hours. Things are looking up! So curl up near a fire, pour some Kentucky wine and picture yourself laughing and tasting when we get back together to celebrate Kentucky wine!
by admin