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Kentucky Memories Cake
Anyone growing up in rural Kentucky will have memories of picking blackberries, or of drying black walnuts to crack in the fall. Most Kentuckians have always put those memories in the closets of our minds of times with our grandmothers and cherish each and everyone. I decided to create a cake that would tie those memories of my childhood with my love of wine. Hope you enjoy it as well. I combined some of the best ingredients from a number of jam cake recipes and added some of my own.
Cream together 1 cup of slightly melted butter and 2 cups of sugar, add 4 eggs. In a separate bowl, mix together 2 and 1/2 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Add the dry ingredients to the butter, sugar, and eggs mixture gradually alternating with 1 cup of Walnut Ridge Wine (from Millanova in Bullitt County, KY). Mix, then add the following spices: 1 t. vanilla, 1 t. nutmeg, 1 t. ground cloves, 1 t. cinnamon, 1/2 t. ground ginger, and 1 t. allspice. Blend in 1 cup of seedless blackberry jam. (I used jam made by Sunflower Sundries, Mt. Olivet, KY.) Add 1 cup of black walnuts. (Mine were purchased at the Kountry Kupboard in Harrodsburg, KY.) I recommend a bundt pan. Bake at 325 degrees F. for 1 hour in a greased and floured pan.
For a glaze, stir together 1/2 cup fresh blackberries, 1/2 cup black walnuts, and 1 cup of blackberry wine (I used the Blackberry from Chrisman Mill, Nicholasville, KY.), reduce until the liquid is somewhat thick. Pour over the cake. Arrange a few fresh blackberries on the plate.
You might also want to serve it with ice cream or with a sauce. I served it without those, and it was a hit.
Elk Creek Vineyards
If you are ever near Owenton during the day, I really recommend a stop at Elk Creek Vineyards. They offer lunch and wine tastings in some of the most beautiful surroundings you’ll find in northcentral Kentucky. Located just an hour from Lexington, Louisville, and Cincinnati, the vineyards are worth the visit. I had a friend visiting from Florida and took her to lunch at the Elk Creek Café. Even though the weather was damp and gloomy, the view was still spectacular. Inside the beautiful tasting room a fire was burning in the fireplace to warm us and make for a cozy lunch.
After a drive through country roads, first-time visitors arriving at Elk Creek Vineyards are impressed by the vineyards on the rolling hills of Owen County, the winery set on a hill in a wooden and rock building, with a view of the Lodge across the vineyards on another hilltop. Once inside, the beauty of the tasting room, the impressive gallery filled with the art of local artists, and the hospitality of the employees will make anyone want to come back.
We were offered tastings of two new wines, made by the winemaker, Brandon O’Daniel, which features the art of Carey Chen on the label. I purchased the Cabernet Sauvignon, a very good red wine. After lunch, we walked around outside a bit, but not for long, as it was cold. We went inside and toured the gallery where my friend purchased a pottery dish.
Though I have been a fan of Elk Creek for quite some time (love their Gewurztraminer), my friend was quite impressed that Kentucky could offer visitors such a destination.
by admin with No CommentsFrench Lick Winery
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- Winery – 2015
Sunday, after visiting Huber’s, we drove west to have dinner and taste wine at French Lick Winery in French Lick, Indiana. It’s about an hour and a half from Louisville and definitely worth the drive. French Lick is attracting a lot of visitors now since the remodeling of the French Lick Resort. The West Baden Springs Hotel, the French Lick Springs Hotel and the French Lick Casino have become destinations for many people in the region. While I do recommend the hotels, especially the domed one in West Baden, we visit for the winery.
The French Lick Winery and Vintage Café features award-winning wine and amazing Italian food. We discovered them several years ago and continue to return as often as we can. For those who enjoy wine gifts, I personally recommend the gift shop and never leave without some new wine decor items. My favorite wine is the Norton, but all of the wines, whites, reds, and those made from fruits are very good. Also, you can’t go wrong with any of the dishes from the café, but we usually can’t pass up the pizzas. I have to suggest an order of the all natural pan Bigio, an Italian crusty bread.
If you find yourself traveling in Southern Indiana, I recommend a visit to the towns of French Lick and West Baden. They are lovely little towns that were famous for the hot springs in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. In recent years, they were noted as the hometown of Larry Bird and are now known for the resort, but wine lovers visit for the French Lick Winery.
by admin with No CommentsHuber’s Orchard Winery & Vineyards
Many Kentuckians are familiar with Huber’s as a destination. Just a short drive from Louisville, there’s a farm store, a u-pick farm, petting animals, a play ground, a restaurant, a gift shop, a cheese and ice cream shop, another restaurant, a winery and a wine shop. Families and couples find their way there seven days a week. It is a nice way to spend an afternoon.
We enjoy tasting the wine and the wine gift shop. They are the only winery locally that is also a distiller. They make brandies and grappa. Their gift shop on two levels at the winery has some of the most unusual wine gift items one will find. The farm store is a must stop for us. Their packaged soup mixes, the fresh produce, the jams and jellies, and the bakery items are worth a visit all on their own. Down the road, the family restaurant serves delicious food.
If you want a quiet visit, you will want to check ahead to see if they are having an event. We stopped by on Sunday and hoped for a relaxing visit, but it was u-pick apples and pumpkins. There were people everywhere. We ended up making a very short visit, just buying what we wanted and left.
by admin with No Comments
The Northern Kentucky Wine Festival
Saturday’s weather was perfect for an outdoor festival. Fall foliage and Kentucky wines were an excellent combination for visitors to MainStrasse yesterday. Whether strolling down the Sixth Street Promanade from wine booth to wine booth or sitting enjoying a glass of wine, it was a great way to relax and enjoy the day. Fifteen of Kentucky’s wineries provided wine for tasting and purchase, artisans displayed crafts from jewelry to artwork, and food vendors were available with a wide choice of treats.
Several of the wineries were well-known to wine lovers in Northern Kentucky. StoneBrook Winery, Atwood Hill Winery, Seven Wells Winery, and Baker-Bird Winery are all well-established local wineries. Many visitors have enjoyed the Back Woods Wine Tour featuring stops at each. Elk Creek Vineyards and Winery also has a local presence at the vineyards in Owenton, as well as the shops at Florence Mall, Crestview Towne Center and Rabbit Hash. Redman’s Farm Winery has been open for a year and has had a booth at several festivals locally. Others were also known to festival goers, such as, Chrisman Mill Vineyards and Winery, Lovers Leap Vineyards and Winery, Horseshoe Bend Vineyards and Winery, Wildside Winery and Vineyard, Generation Hill Winery, and Black Barn Winery.
Some wineries might have been a bit of a surprise to local visitors. Though one of Kentucky’s most popular wineries, Smith-Berry Vineyard and Winery, from New Castle, made its first appearance at the wine festival. Purple Toad Winery also made a somewhat rare appearance in this region. Western Kentucky wine lovers have been familiar with this Paducah winery for quite some time. A new winery, Rose Hill Farm Winery in Pendleton County, made its first appearance at the festival offering wines not yet available for tasting at their winery.
Whether enjoying new wines from an old favorite, such as StoneBrook’s Black Knight, or trying wines from wineries new to the festival such as Smith-Berry’s Brother John, visitors were enthusiastic about their tasting experience. We got there early and the crowds were already gathering. When we left after a couple of hours of tastings, relaxing with a glass of wine and a brick oven pizza, it was getting crowded. The Sixth Annual Northern Kentucky Wine Festival was a success and a perfect way to spend a fall afternoon.
by admin with 1 CommentKentucky Proud Incredible Food Show
The third annual show was just as good as the previous two. The food booths provided visitors with a wide array of Kentucky products. From the artisan cheese made by Boone Creek Creamery, to sweets from the Karamel Kreations, to Browning’s Hams, visitors were not disappointed.
The wineries offered some of Kentucky’s best for tasting and purchase. Each winery provided more than just wine for the visitors. For instance, Chrisman Mill offered wine gifts; Elk Creek served excellent barbecue; and Lovers Leap provided Peach Bellinis. The wineries attracted many of those who chose to spend their Saturday at the Kentucky Proud Incredible Food Show.
Each year Kentucky has more to offer. You might want to start planning now to have a free weekend in October, for next year’s show.
by admin with No CommentsVintage Pork Medallions from the Wine Lover’s Kitchen
Ingredients:
4 lb. Pork Tenderloin, 1 T. Oregano,1 T. Basil, 2 T. Minced Red Onions, 1 t. Minced Garlic, 1 t. Marjoram Leaves, 1 t. Rosemary Leaves, 1/2 cup Balsamic Vinegar, 2 cups Red Wine, Olive Oil, Coarse Ground Black Pepper, Sea Salt
- Slice the pork tenderloin into 1/2 inch slices, cut each slice in the center to make medallions. Put medallions into skillet with olive oil. Season with Coarse Ground Black Pepper and Sea Salt. Brown both sides. Remove and place in a 9 x 13 casserole dish.
- In a bowl, mix the remaining ingredients. Pour over the medallions.
- Cover with foil.
- Bake at 375 for two hours. Remove foil and bake for 15 minutes.
After having pork medallions at several restaurants over the years, I began experimenting with herbs and amounts. This is the recipe that has been the most successful. I’ve used different types of wine, from Merlot to Cabernet Sauvignon.
The last time I served this I used a blended red table wine from CCC Trail Vineyards in Morehead and Traditional 18 year aged Balsamic Vinegar from Stuarto’s Olive Oil Company in Lexington.
by admin with No Comments
October Wine Festival
I want to share some good news for wine lovers around Northern Kentucky The Sixth Annual Northern Kentucky Wine Festival at MainStrasse Village will take place on October 15, 2011, at 3 PM. The festival is at the Sixth Street Promenade at the Goose Girl Fountain. Admission is $10.00 and includes a souvenir glass and four sampling tickets. Additional tickets and glasses of wine can also be purchased.
This year’s festival will feature several Kentucky wineries as well as artisans, live entertainment, and local foods. To whet your taste buds, some of the local foods include Lime, Fireside Pizza, Taste of Belgium, and Sushi Cincinnati.
For those more interested in the wine, here are just a few of the wineries that plan to attend: Lovers Leap Vineyards and Winery, Chrisman Mill Vineyards and Winery, Purple Toad Winery, Atwood Hill Winery, StoneBrook Winery, Elk Creek Vineyards and Winery, Seven Wells Winery, Generation Hill Winery, and Rose Hill Farm. If you’ve been to the festival before, you’ll notice a couple of new names. Since Purple Toad Winery is in Paducah, it is not as well-known to many in Northern Kentucky. Rose Hill Farm is a new winery in Pendleton County. A few other wineries from the state are talking to the festival planners but haven’t made up their minds yet. Wines will be available for tastings and for purchase.
I’ve attended this festival for the past few years and really enjoyed myself. The location in the MainStrasse Village is a lovely spot for a festival. It’s a relaxing way to spend a fall afternoon.
by admin with 1 CommentTaste Kentucky Wines
On Saturday, October 8, 2011, the third annual Kentucky Proud Incredible Food Show will be in the lower level of the Lexington Convention Center and Rupp Arena. The hours of the show are 9 AM to 7 PM. General admission tickets are $15.00.
Those who have attended in the past will know the event showcases Kentucky products. Wineries such as Acres of Land Winery, Chrisman Mill Vineyards and Winery, Equus Run Vineyards, Horseshoe Bend Vineyards and Winery, Elk Creek’s Kentucky Proud Market, Lovers Leap Vineyards and Winery, and Talon Winery are expected to offer tastings of their wines. The wines will also be available for purchase.
Wine is not the only Kentucky product that will be showcased. The marketplace will have booths featuring Kentucky Proud products such as Browning’s Country Hams, Lexington Chocolate Company, Critchfield Meats, and many other Kentucky foods. Joseph-Beth Bookstore will feature cookbooks with authors available for signings throughout the day. The show features cooking demonstrations, seminars and features the winner and runner-up of Bravo’s Top Chef (season six).
I’ve attended the last two Food Shows in Lexington and am looking forward to this one. It has been marked on my calendar since the date was announced. The show gives visitors a chance to sample and buy Kentucky products, as well as learn abut the agricultural pursuits of the state. Be sure to go hungry so you can enjoy the tastes offered by the vendors. I’d also advise comfortable shoes. My husband and I usually spend several hours there. If you are interested in attending, expect to have a good time. I wouldn’t miss it.
by admin with No CommentsA visit to a Virginia Winery
Years ago, the first winery my husband and I visited was Barboursville Vineyards in Virginia. Since then we have continued to visit every chance we get. Both the owners and the winemaker are Italian, and the wines and decor reflect this. We visited last month and as always found the wine to be fantastic. Our favorites are the full-bodied reds: Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, and Barbera. We also enjoy Octagon, a blend of their finest grapes. Barboursville’s wines are served at events in Washington, D. C. and Octagon was served to Queen Elizabeth II when she visited Virginia a couple of years ago.
The vineyards and winery are located on an estate once owned by Governor Barbour whose home was designed by Thomas Jefferson. A fire destroyed the home, but the ruins remain. Visitors to the winery can enjoy a walk around the ruins, stay at the 1804 Inn, or dine at the Palladio Restaurant.
If you’re like me and enjoy visiting wineries, I recommend Barboursville Vineyards if you’re traveling in Central Virginia.
by admin with No Comments