In honor of "The Kentucky Derby"...

I have to say that I love horses, I would have loved to have my own horse as a child, but growing up in a busy city it was not an indulgence I could enjoy, in saying that yes I have ridden, and love being on horseback,  they are such graceful creatures and I find a peace when I am in their presence. Some of the art shown below captures their splendor...

Image courtesy New England Homes...

Image courtesy ELLE DECOR...

Obsessing over this room...

Yesterday's Kentucky Derby, did you pick the winner ???

Orb...

Orb 2013 Kentucky Derby winner...

Some of the spectator millinery...

If I were to go to "The Kentucky Derby", this would be my hat of choice...

The Mint Julep...

Ingredients For Each Serving:
Mint leaves 
2 tablespoons Mint Syrup (see recipe below)
Crushed ice
2 tablespoons water
2 ounces good-quality Kentucky bourbon
Fresh mint sprig

Preparation:

Prepare the Mint Syrup.
Crush or muddle a few mint leaves in the bottom of an 8-ounce Mint Julep Cup (using the back of a spoon to crush mint leaves) until mixture forms a paste.
Then fill the Mint Julep Cup 1/2 full with crushed or shaved ice. Add prepared Mint Syrup, water, and bourbon. Stir until the silver cup is frosted on the outside. NOTE: A glass tumbler will not frost on the outside.
To serve, garnish with a fresh sprig of mint.

 

Mint Syrup:

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 bunch fresh mint sprigs

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water. Boil for 5 minutes, without stirring. Remove from heat an pour over a handful of mint leaves and gently crush the mint with a spoon.

Refrigerator syrup mixture overnight in a closed jar. Remove mint leaves and continue to refrigerate. This syrup mixture will keep for several weeks.

Substitution for Mint Syrup:  Purchase a bottle of mint syrup (used for flavoring espresso drinks and Italian sodas). NOTE: Mint Syrup is easier to use, but the taste isn't as great!

Makes enough syrup for approximately 8 servings.
 
I hope you're having a wonderful weekend,

xxx