Salmon BLTs
Salmon BLTs made with Kentucky proud vegetables and bread from Blue Dog Bakery.
Salmon BLTs have become the go-to meal at my house this summer. They present such a rich flavor profile -- bold, buttery salmon, salty bacon, sweet tomatoes, and fresh lettuce -- that they work equally well for brunch or dinner. They pair well with a refreshing glass of sparkling water or a nice Riesling or even your morning cup of coffee!
I made them Kentucky Proud by adding tomatoes from my garden and thick, crusty bread from Blue Dog Bakery.
Salmon BLTs
- 10-12 slices center-cut bacon
- 4 salmon filets
- 1 large or 2 small tomatoes, sliced
- 1 head Bibb or Butter lettuce
- 1 loaf bread
- lemons, scallions, and chives for garnish
- mayonnaise or aioli if desired
- Cut bacon strips in half and arrange in large cast iron skillet. Place in 375 degree pre-heated oven for 15-20 minutes or until desired crispness. Set bacon in paper towel-lined plate and reserve grease.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of bacon grease to non-stick skillet and place burner on high heat. When oil is heated, add salmon filets. Sear each side, then allow to cook through. (About 8-10 minutes total cooking time.)
- Slice bread and lightly toast.
- Serve as open-faced sandwiches
My Friday Night Lights
My "glory days" as a high school cheerleader taught me a lot about football -- and life.
Like any high school girl, I was thrilled when I made the varsity cheerleading squad. Except for one small problem...
I'd have to learn about football.
Now that was, shall we say, a bit of a problem. I'd basically grown up in a gym. My granddaddy and my daddy had been basketball coaches. I cheered at basketball games all through grade school. We were Kentucky Wildcats fans, for heaven's sake. It was the early years of the Pitino era and poor Mr. Curry... Well, he was a nice man, they say. All of that didn't add up to much knowledge of, as my daddy would say, "those balls that don't bounce."
Over three years of cheering for the football team, I didn't learn much more than when to say the "First and Ten" cheer and when our team had scored. But, you know, I did make a lot of friends that I wouldn't have made otherwise. And it sure does build a team when you stand on the sidelines in the pouring rain or the blistering heat.
It would be many years before I learned much at all about football. Once I settled down with a beau for whom the sport was way more than a passing interest, I started to pay attention. Bob likes to say that he was just aiming for me to stop talking during important plays; he had no idea I'd become a devotee of the Nick Saban Process who never misses an episode of the Paul Finebaum Show. But, a couple of years ago, I was home visiting my parents and decided to go for a run on the track that surrounds my high school football field. As I went past the home bleachers, I realized how many special memories that field held.
Recently, my high school alma mater was devastated by the unexpected and tragic passing of a member of the football team. A rising Junior, Trey was the son of one of the football players for whom I cheered so many years ago -- one of those friends whom I got to know as I struggled to learn what a "down" was. I can't imagine what it must be like at the high school today as they prep for their first football game of the season while dealing with such an unimaginable loss.
In small towns all across America, the local high school sports teams are a social hub and a point of pride. That's why the brilliant TV show Friday Night Lights rang so true -- we all knew a die-hard lady like Matt's grandma and a super-fan like old Buddy Garrity, and hopefully even had a coach as inspiring as Coach Taylor. Tonight, even though I'm hours away from my hometown, I'll be thinking of my own Friday Night Lights days, and saying a little prayer for Trey's family and friends. And, of course, I'll still be cheering for my Rebels.
Frankfort High School
All these years later, I still love my high school!
My husband says I'm crazy because I love my high school alma mater. It's one of those things he just doesn't get about me.
I'm proud to be a Frankfort Panther. I'm a member of "the long blue line" that also includes such notables as*:
-Mr. Elmer T. Lee, a 1936 graduate who would go on to become a Master Distiller and develop Blanton's, the 1st ever single barrel bourbon
-Marion Longmire, a 1929 graduate who invented and patented the power strip
-Glen Johnson, a 1954 graduate who was awarded the Eleanor Roosevelt Val-Kill Medal for his work in the field of human rights
-John Moynihan, a 1982 graduate and top bloodstock agent who recognized the talent of (and purchased) horses such as Charismatic, Curlin and Rachel Alexander
-Bob Custer, a 1917 graduate who moved to Hollywood and became a silent film cowboy star, appearing in over 50 films
-George C. Wolfe, a 1972 graduate and Tony award winning playwright
-Dudley Malone Watson, the 1936 graduate of Mayo-Underwood High School (which was in the same district and later merged with FHS) was a Tuskegee Airman and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Dear old FHS has been in the heart of Frankfort for 125 years and was recently named 12th on the US News and World Report rankings. It's long been the community school - where students living in the district are all within easy walking distance. Tradition has always been a big part of the Frankfort High culture. I remember our principal reading to us from a 1920s-era student newspaper regarding sportsmanship and school spirit. As students, we always felt a duty to uphold those traditions and enjoy them (like Senior Clap In on the first day of school and Senior Clap Out on the last day).
This year, a former teacher and her husband (an alum) are opening a "Traditions Center" where memorabilia of the past 125 years can mingle with afterschool tutoring programs for current students. News of this endeavor has been met with excitement and much reminiscing on the Center's Facebook page. I'm happy to be a small part of it, as it will be housed in my old house, just two doors away from the high school!
Yes, I can see my husband's point - it's a bit silly of me to get wrapped up in how my high school football team is doing when I have no children or even relatives in the school district, but at least I'm not still chanting all the cheers (out loud, anyway!).Once you're a part of that long blue line, you're always a part of it.
*Thanks to the Frankfort High Traditions Center's Facebook page for providing some of the trivia regarding alumni.
Smoked Salmon Goat Cheese Scramble
Celebrate National Goat Cheese Month with Kentucky Proud Bluegrass Chèvre!
When I found out that August was National Goat Cheese month, my first reaction was "I hate goat cheese!" But then I stopped myself. I remember the last time I had it (4-6 years ago, I didn't like it), and I knew it was time to try it again. Your taste buds change every 5-7 years, and as you get older, the more bitter foods you like.
I knew that there was a goat cheese stand, Bleugrass Chevre, at the Farmer's Market with free samples so I gave it another try. I liked it surprisingly; I liked it enough to buy it. I even found a recipe that looked delicious with goat cheese in it. I even have some left over for another recipe. My motto always has been and will be--try new foods!!!
As I sit here eating this (literally), I'm loving how the strong salmon and goat cheese flavor compliment each other. I'll also divulge that I ate every. bit. of. this. Yes--all two servings!
Smoked Salmon Goat Cheese Scramble
from Tori Avey
Makes 2 servings
- 4 eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/3 cup (2 oz) sliced smoked salmon cut into small pieces
- 2 oz goat cheese
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Labaneh cheese or sour cream (optional)
- Whisk eggs and milk together for 1 minute.
- Heat butter in a pan until melted.
- Add salmon and cook for 1 minute.
- Add eggs, dill, and goat cheese.
- Taking a spatula, every 1 minute, scrap from the outside edge to the center all the way around. this allows the uncooked egg to flow in and cook.
- When eggs are about 90% done, chop up the middle and spread it evenly in the pan.
- Flip eggs once.
- Season to taste (I only added pepper) and serve.
So go and try some goat cheese! It's a free sample, and if you love it, then maybe you'll be adventurous at restaurants and try something with goat cheese in it! I know I will!
Jennifer is the chef behind a girl eats world. Head over to check out more recipes and kitchen tips!
Kentucky's Korean War Hero Ernest West
The U.S. Postal Service honors Korean War Medal of Honor winners, including Ernest West of Wurtland, KY.
Pfc. Ernest West
Fascinating stories about amazing Kentuckians are everywhere, if you just stop to listen.
Recently, the United States Postal Service commended an extraordinary Kentuckian on his bravery and service in the Korean War.
Kentuckian Ernest West received a Medal of Honor --the nation's highest award for valor -- for his brave service to the United States Army during the Korean War. The citation accompanying his award states:
Pfc. West distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. He voluntarily accompanied a contingent to locate and destroy a reported enemy outpost. Nearing the objective, the patrol was ambushed and suffered numerous casualties. Observing his wounded leader lying in an exposed position, Pfc. West ordered the troops to withdraw, then braved intense fire to reach and assist him. While attempting evacuation, he was attacked by 3 hostile soldiers employing grenades and small-arms fire. Quickly shifting his body to shelter the officer, he killed the assailants with his rifle, then carried the helpless man to safety. He was critically wounded and lost an eye in this action. but courageously returned through withering fire and bursting shells to assist the wounded. While evacuating 2 comrades, he closed with and killed 3 more of the foe. Pfc. West's indomitable spirit, consummate valor, and intrepid actions inspired all who observed him, reflect the highest credit on himself, and uphold the honored traditions of the military service.
Mr. West was one of the 145 members of the American Armed Forces to be awarded the Korean War Medal of Honor. The U.S. Postal Service recently issued commemorative stamps in honor of these brave Americans, including historic photos of the surviving awardees. This past weekend, Mr. West was honored at a ceremony at the Wurtland Middle School in his Greenup County hometown.
West, Ernest from Medal of Honor Foundation on Vimeo.
Recently, I was at a GLOW (Greater Louisville Oustanding Women) meeting where Alisa Zanetti, the USPS Marketing Manager for Kentucky, told me a little about Mr. West's story. As she spoke, it became so much more than a story pitch for HerKentucky; it was the story of so many Kentuckians I might know. Mr. West was raised in the Kentucky United Methodist Children's Home in Versailles; I grew up hearing my grandmother's church speak of special offerings to benefit the Children's Home. Mr. West is from Wurtland; my fiancé grew up in a nearby Greenup County town... This brave gentleman had so many connections to the Eastern and Central Kentucky communities that I know and love. It's a powerful thought: there really are fascinating heroes among us. In Mr. West's case, he's a grandfather and retired electrician in a small Kentucky town as well as a decorated war hero.
The next time you run by the post office for a book of stamps, take a moment to reflect on the fact that there are heroes and fascinating characters all around you. Maybe you just haven't heard their stories yet.
The HerKentucky Guide to the PGA Championship, Part 2: What to Expect
What to expect when you attend the 2014 PGA Championhip at Louisville's Valhalla Golf Club.
If you've been within a hundred mile radius of Louisville this week, then you've heard something about the PGA Championship! Wednesday, we brought you the HerKentucky Guide to Picking the Perfect Outfit. Today, we have a few tips on what to expect.
Parking
Parking for the PGA Championship is a bit tricky. If you drive a Mercedes, you can park in a special lot provided by corporate sponsor Mercedes-Benz. If you aren't buying a new Benz for the event (trust me, I threw the idea out at my house, but it didn't fly...), then there are several options. You can park at Cardinal Stadium or Churchill Downs to catch a shuttle, or you can park at one of the designated lots (passes must be pre-purchased; they are not available the day of the event!) near the course.
Bob and I parked in Lot B, which was, for all intents and purposes, a field in the Distillery Bend area of the Parklands of Floyds Fork.
There were carts to take us to our shuttle bus.
When you arrive at Valhalla, it is decked out like a fabulous, golf-themed Disney World! There are exhibition tents, just in case you need to buy an Omega watch or Samsung phone to get the day started.
Some of Kentucky's larger employers, including Brown-Forman, Lexmark, and the state government, have reserved clubhouses. Wanamaker Club ticketholders are also able to enjoy the comforts of seating and air conditioning!
The course itself is stunning! I took a moment to enjoy this stream between Holes 2 and 3.
If you aren't a golf fan, it's pretty easy to catch on to what's happening. Leaderboards and tee positions are well-marked. And, trust me, there are plenty of fellow spectators who'll want to bloviate about the event!
I'm sure it goes without saying to HerKentucky readers, but please observe the etiquette of golf. Keep your cell phones on silent and in your pocket. Keep your conversation levels to a minimum. And, keep your opinions about golfers' personal lives to yourselves! (We spent two holes hearing how much a fellow spectator "just loves" Adam Scott and, while Mr. Scott is, indeed, quite handsome, that foolishness got old in a hurry!)
Most of all, enjoy your day at the course! It's a great showcase for Louisville, and a fun time!
The HerKentucky Guide to the PGA Championship, Part 1: What to Wear
What to wear when you attend the 2014 PGA Championhip at Louisville's Valhalla Golf Club.
The 2014 PGA Championship is being held at Valhalla Golf Club this week. Here in Louisville, the event is on everyone's minds: the city welcomes golf fans and tourists, while many Kentuckians make plans to attend or help out with the tournament.
Bob and I took in the practice rounds at Valhalla on Monday, and had a blast! We also came up with a few pointers for HerKentucky readers who'll be attending the matches this week, which I'll share with y'all today and tomorrow. First off: what to wear!
I've already had one friend email to ask what I wore to the event. I mean, you aren't only there to watch a major sporting event, you're also likely to run into just about everybody at the PGA Championship.
Clubhouses for Lexmark, Brown-Forman, and Commonwealth of Kentucky ticket holders at Valhalla. You're going to see somebody you know; you definitely want to look cute!
My advice is to dress comfortably. You're going to walk A LOT. Cute golf attire -- a golf shirt, shorts or a skort, and tennis shoes are really the best alternative. I saw a few ladies wearing maxi skirts and flats or flip-flops, and I have to say that they looked miserable and out of place. I've never been so happy to be dressed down! A sun visor and sunglasses are necessities as well!
A quick selfie from Hole 2.
Leave your purse at home. Tournament regulations prohibit any bag larger than 10x10, but you'll want something much smaller. A wristlet or crossbody is good if you need to bring a purse, or you can pack a drawstring athletic bag. The less you bring, the better!
Here are a few suggestions for comfortable Tournament Day clothes in fun, preppy colors.
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