Recipe: Kentucky Derby Tartlets

From Denny: Found this little gem of a recipe over at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Tartlet desserts are popular for entertaining in Louisiana and this season of horse racing is no exception.

Of course, like a lot of Americans I watched all the drama of the horse races. Why? Louisiana's Jockey Calvin Borel was in all of them, a female horse won - I had to cheer for girl power since it was the first time in over 70 years a filly won anything significant - and lastly, though I did not grow up there I was born in Kentucky and some things you just can't get out of a person - like loving horses.

Image via Wikipedia

For the recipe, just remember: Louisiana has FABULOUS pecans!

I left the recipe's prelude text in its entirety from the Atlanta Journal because I find it interesting to trace how a recipe makes its rounds and it gives the reader a flavor of the food writing in that part of America:

What Can I Bring?

Make and take: Make these surprisingly simple treats ahead of time and store in an air-tight container at room temperature. They also freeze well.

Made famous by: Joan Demer of Stone Mountain, who got the recipe from her daughter in Virginia. "I've had compliments whenever I've served it, " she said.

Frozen pre-made phyllo shells make this take on pecan tassies a breeze. To toast pecans, spread nuts on a baking sheet and bake 5 to 10 minutes in a 350-degree oven until lightly browned.

Hands on time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Serves: 45

Ingredients:

45 mini phyllo shells, such as Athens brand

1/3 cup semisweet chocolate miniature morsels

1 cup finely chopped toasted pecans

3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1 tablespoon melted butter

1/4 cup bourbon

1 large egg, lightly beaten

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange the shells on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle the miniature morsels into the shells, dividing evenly. In a mixing bowl, combine the pecans, brown sugar, butter, bourbon and beaten egg; stir well. Spoon the mixture into the shells, filling each 3/4 full. Bake for 20 minutes or until set and golden brown. Cool 10 minutes before serving.

Notes:

Tip: If you have any leftover filling, you can cook it in the microwave and serve it over vanilla ice cream, Demer said.

Nutrition:

Per serving: 60 calories (percent of calories from fat, 43), 1 gram protein, 8 grams carbohydrates, trace fiber, 3 grams fat (1 gram saturated), 5 milligrams cholesterol, 41 milligrams sodium.

Funny Story: The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Beers

Guinness is good for you! Image via Wikipedia

From Denny: Just received this fun email from a cousin in Kentucky. Feel free to send it along to all your friends.

Remember: Ireland's Guinness Stout and Boston's Samuel Adams Stout have CHOCOLATE in it! Drink up! :)

The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Beers


"When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 Beers.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.

The sand is everything else---the small stuff. 'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

'Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.'

The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.'

Please share this with someone you care about.. I JUST DID!"

Keep smiling as you share that beer with friends!

Recipe - Vegetarian Cornbread

Dennys Low Gluten Southern Cornbread - This is very low-gluten and wonderfully moist and satisfying. White corn meal cornbread is lighter than yellow. Fast and easy for beginner cooks! Vegetarian too!

Photo by Denny Lyon - from my kitchen to yours!