It's May, and that means "The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports" is here!

That's right - it's Kentucky Derby time!  Don your favorite hat and join us at Ann & Jason's for the 141st Run for the Roses!

Whether you're watching from the infield, or from "Millionaire's Row" bring you betting money and get ready to win part of the $2 million guarantee!

Mint Juleps:  Heather & Eric

What comes to mind when you think of the Kentucky Derby?  Nothing other than the classic Mint Julep!  These bourbon-based cocktails served in silver cups were just the "ticket"!

Heather & Eric made these Kentucky Derby staples sinfully easy to make by preparing the mint-infused simple syrup ahead of time.  That meant all we had to do was shave up some ice, pour in some bourbon, and garnish with a mint sprig - yes, I will have a second!

It was great to see all the Derby fashions come to life - the men cleaned up quite nicely and the women adorned themselves with great Derby hats!

 The Mint Juleps were such a hit - even the Derby horses enjoyed a few!!

We also had a great selection of Derby-inspired beers at our fingertips!

Recipe:
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/classic-mint-julep-0

Shrimp Dip & Bourbon Meatballs:  Eric & Ken

Our first-ever special guest couple, Eric & Ken, raised the bar with their extravagant display of Kentucky Derby "horse-derves".

The decadent shrimp dip or the tasty bourbon meatballs alone would have been more than enough, but on top of these they also created a beautiful tray of cheese, crackers, strawberries, and apples.

Let's just say we were happy to have such delicious treats to soak up all the bourbon we were drinking!

Recipes:

Shrimp Dip:
http://www.kentuckyderby.com/party/recipes/appetizers/beccas-shrimp-dip-devine

Bourbon Meatballs:

Meatballs
2 lb ground turkey
1 tbs onion powder
1 tbs garlic powder
salt to taste
pepper to taste
dry or fresh basil to taste
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1 tbs Worcestershire sauce

Combine all meatball ingredients and roll into balls.  Put in crock pot on high and cook for 1 hr.  Add sauce (see below) and cook on low for 7 hours.  Stir occasionally.

Sauce
1 cup water
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
5 tbs light brown sugar or molasses
1 tbs ground mustard
1 tbs Worcestershire sauce
1 cup Ketchup
1 tbs cayenne pepper

Combine all ingredients and bring to a boil.  Reduce to simmer, stirring frequently, for 1 hour.  Add a splash of OJ and bourbon at the end.  Let this come to room temperature before adding to crock pot with meatballs.

Beef Brisket with Bourbon-Peach Glaze, Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole, and Roasted Asparagus:  Ann & Jason

After several games of horse shoes, and several Mint Juleps, it was time to get dinner going.

Ann & Jason had prepared the brisket ahead of time, making dinner as simple as pulling it out of the fridge and heating it in the oven.


















Unfortunately, the number of Mint Juleps consumed may have caused Ann to spill the delicious brisket juice all over herself!  (I also have to say that the lid may not have been tightly secured on the container.....).









Nonetheless, the dinner turned out exactly as planned!

The brisket was served alongside a Kentucky Hot Brown casserole and asparagus from the Tucson Heirloom Farmer's Market.  The Kentucky Hot Brown is an open-faced sandwich originally created at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, KY.  In this casserole version, the same ingredients are taken, layered, and baked, to create a sizzling combination of pure comfort.

And because I worked on my table setting for at least two weeks before our event, here are some pictures of that as well :)

Recipes:

Beef Brisket with Bourbon-Peach Glaze:
http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/braised-brisket-with-bourbon-peach-glaze

Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole:
https://fridaysfromhome.wordpress.com/2012/05/06/kentucky-hot-brown-casserole/
Ann & Jason picked up roasted turkey from Honey Baked Ham for this recipe

Roasted Asparagus:
http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/roasted_asparagus

Mint Julep Pie:  Ryan & MJ

Ryan & MJ finished off the night with a chocolate, bourbon, mint julep pie.  Think of the delicious Mint Julep drink combined with a Girl Scouts Thin Mint, all wrapped into a delicious pie crust.  This dessert was the perfect end to our evening.

Since we live on the west coast, the Derby had already finished but, as promised, none (well maybe one) of us watched it ahead of time.

We placed our bets and watched the race and true to form, it was the "Fastest two minutes of sports!"













Ann & Ryan both placed bets on the favored horse - American Pharaoh.  When he crossed the finish line, the dollar bills were flying and we got to enjoy our Blue Ribbon PBRs in honor of #18!

Recipe:
http://www.butterandbrioche.com/dark-chocolate-mint-julep-pie/