Thursday, November 4, 2010

Celebrate Repeal Day in Bourbon Country Style

Sunday, Dec. 5 marks the 77th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition, and McClanahan Publishing offers the definitive guide for celebrating the occasion: Splash of Bourbon: Kentucky’s Spirit (ISBN 978-1-934898-06-2) by David Dominé. The second cookbook by Dominé, one of the foremost authorities on regional American cuisine, Splash of Bourbon is a 144 page hardcover volume that includes a full color pictorial tour of historic distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The collection of more than 70 recipes is also complemented by tips and trivia about the history of America’s native spirit, as well as color photography illustrating each dish.

The book retails for $29.95 and is sold at www.kybooks.com, www.amazon.com and a number of Louisville area stores like Carmichael’s, A Taste of Kentucky, Barnes and Noble and Borders. It is also available at gift shops throughout the region, including those at the Visitors Center in Historic Old Louisville, the Conrad-Caldwell House and – state parks.

Host a bourbon tasting and pair each brand with a dish that uses it as an ingredient. For instance, Dominé’s Squash and Mushroom Gratin includes Four Roses bourbon, known for its spicy, rich flavor. In contrast, his Potato and Leek Purée gets bright aromas of rye and sea salt from Knob Creek. Guests will be intrigued to learn about all the different nuances that are found in a variety of bourbons!

Invite friends for a Sunday brunch featuring eye-opening classic bourbon cocktails like Kentucky Screwdrivers and spicy Bloody Marys using bourbon instead of vodka. Dominé’s Bacon Rolls, Hot Brown Tart and Bourbon Benedictine sandwiches are great for brunch, and the Repeal Day Pound Cake is the perfect sweet ending!

Make Dominé’s whiskey truffles featuring Evan Williams Single Barrel or Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit bourbon for friends and neighbors with a holiday sweet tooth. Instruct them to enjoy the truffles with their favorite sipping bourbon. This would be a welcome delivery at any doorstep!

Cap off a day of sightseeing along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail with a hearty bourbon-themed supper. Start with a salad of Mâche with Sliced Potatoes and Sweet Corn Vinaigrette and enjoy Bourbonnaised Filet Mignon, one of Dominé’s most popular recipes, for the main course. Finish with Ginger Bourbon Lace cups filled with sweetened whipped cream and fresh berries. Or lay out a bourbon country buffet spread with Bourbon Poppy Seed Rolls, Cold Brown Salad, Turnip Green Fried Chicken, Bourbon Bleu Cheese Scalloped Potatoes, and Bourbon Apple Upside Down Cake.

Throw a bourbon cocktail party with favorites such as Stuffed Mustard Greens, Plum Tomatoes with Goat Cheese and Prosciutto, and Red Shutter Meatballs. Named for the iconic shutters at Maker’s Mark Distillery, these savory meatballs get their kick from a generous dose of Maker’s Mark bourbon.

About David Dominé: David Dominé, also known as the Bluegrass Peasant, is a Louisville-based travel, food and wine writer and author of several books published by McClanahan Publishing House. From Old Louisville hauntings to bourbon recipes, Kentucky spirits come alive in Domine’s narratives. His books include Adventures in New Kentucky Cooking, A Feast for the Eyes: Recipes from America’s Grandest Victorian Neighborhood and a series of bestsellers on the ghosts of Old Louisville. He also wrote the guidebook on Louisville for the Insiders’ Guide series, which provides a local’s perspective on over 60 destinations nationwide. In addition to his work as an author, Dominé pens a monthly food column for Kentucky Monthly magazine and teaches foreign languages at Bellarmine University.

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