Angel's Envy #AE4THETREES
Angel's Envy and The Arbor Day Foundation are celebrating Boubon Heritage Month with a social media-based sustainability initiative.
September is Bourbon Heritage Month. Here in Kentucky, we take our local spirits -- and the fascinating industry and culture that have grown up around them -- quite seriously.
I was recently on a distillery tour and, as I listened to the guide describe the basics of bourbon-making -- the mash bill must be at least 51% corn, the product is stored in new, charred oak barrels for at least 4 years, etc., etc. -- I thought about how these facts are just something you learn by being a Kentuckian. Even if you don't choose to imbibe, you wind up knowing a little bit about bourbon.
If you do choose to imbibe (or if you're interested in job creation here in the Bluegrass State), then you have to admit that the past few years have been a fascinating time for Kentucky bourbon. New labels have been introduced at a dizzying pace, while some old favorites have reached a cultish following. An interesting label that has popped up in the past few years is Angel's Envy. This rye-based bourbon aged in ruby port casks is proud of doing things a little differently...
I love their cheeky ad campaigns, devoted to mixing it up a little.
And, even more, I love Toast the Trees, the sustainability campaign they're undertaking this month.
Every time you post a photo to Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with the hashtag #AE4THETREES, Angel's Envy and The Arbor Day Foundation will plant a white oak tree to replace a tree used for a bourbon barrel. What an awesome way to honor the distilling tradition while making a difference!
The next time you're out for a drink, order Angel's Envy and take a selfie that sustains future generations. Cheers!
Bourbon Mushroom Sauce
Want to celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month without actually drinking bourbon? Try it in a meal!
What better way to celebrate Bourbon Heritage month than consuming some bourbon? Not a bourbon drinker? Yeah--me neither. I'd rather eat it! So I celebrated by making this spoon-licking good sauce for grilled steak and pork chops (I seriously licked the spoon--twice)!
Bourbon Mushroom Sauce
This couldn't be easier if your significant other handles the grilling (The Hubby is the greatest!). If not, you can always sear the meat in the pan first, and then make the sauce!
Just a few ingredients are required for this easy sauce!
Cooks up in about 10 minutes!
Bourbon Mushroom Sauce
Makes 4 servings
2 tablespoons butter
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
1 onion (local), sliced
2 tablespoons KY bourbon
3/4 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Heat a saute pan over medium-high heat with the butter.
- Add in the mushrooms and the onions and sear (cook until golden brown on one side).
- Pour in the bourbon, chicken broth, and mustard.
- Turn heat to low and let simmer for 2 minutes.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Just before serving, pour over the steak.
Bottom's up! Or fork's up is more appropriate!
Jennifer is the chef behind the website, a girl eats world. Head over for more Kentucky Proud recipes!
HerKentucky Birthday Celebration: Shop Local KY T-Shirt Giveaway!
HerKentucky turns three on Friday, and we're celebrating with a week's worth of presents just for you!
Today, we're teaming up with Shop Local Kentucky to bring one lucky HerKentucky reader a gorgeous "Bluegrass" T-Shirt!
We love Shop Local Kentucky's mission -- encouraging Kentuckians to purchase right here in the Bluegrass State -- and we love their gorgeous products!
I mean, how gorgeous is this?
We have one Woman's size Large "Bluegrass" fitted t-shirt for one HerKentucky reader. Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
HerKentucky Birthday Celebration: Sky Zone Lexington
It's HerKentucky's third birthday, and we have presents and fun for you!
Yesterday, we asked you to let us know which college basketball coach you love the most: Rick Pitino or John Calipari. The giveaways for each coach's book are still going on, so don't forget to enter those!
Today, we're taking you to Lexington for some family fun! The brand new Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park opens tomorrow, September 10th. Specializing in Active Fun, the creator of the world’s first indoor trampoline park has a variety of gravity defying activities that will get people of all ages jumping for joy.
Sky Zone’s wall-to-wall trampoline courts are designed to be fun for kids and grown-ups alike. Activities include Open Jump and Ultimate Dodgeball. SkyRobics classes will be added later this year.
“For all of those basketball-loving Kentuckians, there are three SkySlam Basketball Hoops. The hoops make it possible for everyone, regardless of height, to experience the thrill of dunking a ball,” added Sky Zone Lexington Operating Partner Chrissy Pannunzio.
The new Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park is located at 3650 Boston Rd, Suite 134 in the Millpond Center. Operation hours are Tuesday to Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday from 4 to 9 p.m. with Jumpalooza from 9 to 11 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with SkyJam from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. for ages 16 and up, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sky Zone has graciously offered a prize package for one lucky HerKentucky reader! Enter the Rafflecopter widget below to win two passes to Sky Zone Lexington and two t-shirts!
HerKentucky Birthday Celebration: Favorite Coaches Giveaway!
Who's your favorite college basketball coach?
HerKentucky turns three this week!
It's kind of crazy to think that a little idea about sharing Kentucky women's stories has turned into a lifestyle website with such awesome writers and readers! We are so thrilled that each of you take a few minutes out of your day to check out our photos, essays, and ideas. This week, we gathered a few birthday presents that are all about Kentucky life -- and we want to give them to you!
Rick Pitino
Today, we'll be talking about basketball. I know, I know: football season just started. But, here in the Bluegrass State, it's always basketball season; our minds are never too far from March Madness!
Of course, the Commonwealth of Kentucky is known for two great basketball coaches with aggressive coaching styles and big personalities. We want to hear which one is your favorite, and we want to give you a copy of your favorite coach's book!
John Calipari
So, let us know which coach is your favorite -- John Vincent Calipari or Richard Andrew Pitino -- and enter to win a copy of your favorite coach's book. We have one copy each of Bounce Back by Coach Cal and The One-Day Contract by Coach Pitino for lucky HerKentucky readers. Check back often for more birthday fun, and thanks, as always, for reading HerKentucky!
HerLouisville
HerLouisville is a biweekly look at the best of the Derby City!
After a summer's worth of planning, we're excited to announce the latest HerKentucky project, HerLouisville!
HerLouisville is a partnership between HerKentucky and our friends at Louisville Family Fun. and The Prickly Pear Boutique. Every other Monday, HerLouisville will provide a look at life, style, and fun in the Derby City!
Today's post features some of my favorite tips for tailgating at home. Head over to HerLouisville to find out more!
502 Lunch Week and Mind of a Chef celebrate Louisville's Food Scene
Monday is a big day for Louisville foodies! Get your DVRs and reservations set!
Louisville is an amazing Foodie town.
Ok, I know that the term "Foodie" is on its way out of fashion, but you know what I mean... The food here is incredible. People love to eat, cook, and go to really nice restaurants. I consistently find better, more creative meals in Louisville than in bigger cities like Nashville or Chicago. And a whole lot of folks tend to agree with me on that.
From Monday, September 9th through Thursday, September 20th, you can try some of Louisville's best restaurants during 502 Lunch Week. Restaurants like Atlantic No 5 (read my review here), Brasserie Provence, St. Charles Exchange, and more are offering special two course menus (including beverage) for just $10 or $15 per person, depending on the restaurant. What a fun way to celebrate Louisville's foodie culture!
One of Louisville's favorite chefs, Edward Lee, (read my review of MilkWood here) will be featured on the third season of The Mind of a Chef, starting Monday on PBS. The Anthony Bourdain-produced series is always a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at restaurant culture, and I can't wait to see how Chef Lee spotlights the city!
Monday is a big day for Louisville foodies. Get your DVRs and reservations ready!