Remembering Muhammad Ali
Remembering Boxer Muhammad Ali -- the Greatest Kentuckian.
Mourners left flowers at the Muhammad Ali Center in memory of The Greatest.
This morning, we awoke to the news that Kentucky's most beloved sports legend, boxer Muhammad Ali, had passed at the age of 74.
Muhammad Ali was a superb boxer -- an Olympic gold medalist and World Heavyweight Champion by the age of 22 -- but to so many of us here in Kentucky, he was so much more. He was a cultural icon. He was a humanitarian and a peace activist. And, as Ali himself succinctly said, he was The Greatest.
As a boxer, Ali connected with legions of fans due not only to his amazing feats in the ring (he remains the only three-time lineal World Heavyweight Champion) but also his famous brand of self-promotion. He became known as The Louisville Lip due to enduring statements like "I am the Greatest" and "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee." Of course, his talent in the ring backed up his statements. Ali later said, "At home, I am a nice guy, but I don’t want the world to know. Humble people, I’ve found, don’t get very far.” Nobody ever mistook Ali for being humble. Throughout the Sixties and Seventies, he was known not only for his boxing successes and outlandish statements, but also for his political and cultural stances. His religious and social objections to the Vietnam War as well as his candor regarding race and political issues made him a counterculture icon. Ali wasn't just a boxer, he was the first true "Sports Personality", establishing the groundwork for modern sports culture. As the writer Joyce Carol Oates said in her work "On Boxing", Ali was one of the few athletes in any sport to "define the terms of his public reputation." Ali's reputation extended far beyond the realm of sports; he is a seminal figure in modern African-American culture, with popularity that has transcended racial lines for decades.
Born in the West Louisville Parkland neighborhood, Ali became a world celebrity, but remained true to his Islamic faith and his devotion to peace and social justice. His later years were spent in Arizona, but he remained devoted to his Kentucky hometown, supporting the Louisville Cardinals and establishing the Muhammad Ali Center to promote cultural and philanthropic missions.
Today, we mourn the Greatest, the Coolest, the Prettiest Kentuckian. Goodbye, Champ. You left your mark on this town.
“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”
The Five Best Doughnuts in Kentucky: 2016 Edition
It's National Doughnut Day! Celebrate with Kentucky's favorite doughnuts!
Here in Kentucky, we love our doughnuts. We love them so much that, a few years back, the New York Times even ran a piece tracing Kentucky's Doughnut Trail.
Doughnuts are the absolute best -- they're sweet, inexpensive little pieces of nostalgia. They make you remember the morning you got to play hooky and pick up a sugary breakfast after a doctor's appointment, or the times your grandma fried up a fresh batch, or that little bakery in your hometown that made THE BEST doughnuts.
Last year's HerKentucky National Doughnut Day post stirred up a lot of feelings from y'all -- apparently, I missed out on a lot of local gems in my hunt for the five best doughnuts in Kentucky. So, I've spent a lot of time over the past year really mulling over what makes a GREAT doughnut. Here are the five Bluegrass State bakeries that made the cut.
5. Red's Donut Shop, Paducah. A local institution that sells only doughnuts. Locals will tell you that a Red's doughnut is like a fresh Krispy Kreme, only better. (Legend has it that Paducah is the birthplace of the Krispy Kreme, so these folks know what they're talking about!)
4. Doughdaddy's, Versailles. Fluffy doughnuts in more varieties than you can possibly imagine.
Nord's Bakery's Maple-Bacon doughnut is amazing.
3. Nord's Bakery, Louisville. You can't mention Kentucky doughnuts without discussing the magic doughnut at Nord's. Of course, you know the one I mean: the maple-bacon. It's possibly the world's most perfect food. Worth the drive over to campus/ Schnitzelberg. Go ahead and buy extras; somebody will want one.
Mural at Nord's Bakery.
2. Spalding's Bakery, Lexington. With a family tradition of fried doughnuts dating back to 1929, Spalding's makes Lexington's very favorite doughnuts. Remember to take cash, as Spalding's doesn't accept credit cards or checks. When you're that good, you don't have to.
1. Hi-Five Doughnuts, Louisville. I love Annie and Leslie, who run this amazing food truck, and I can't wait for their storefront to open! Their high-end, gourmet take on doughnuts is simply amazing, and their Maker's Mark caramel glaze is one of my favorite treats ever. Hands down, my favorite doughnuts ever.
Happy Doughnut Day, y'all! Who makes your favorite doughnut?
Happy Birthday, Kentucky!
Kentucky's 224th birthday!
On June 1, 1792, The Commonwealth of Kentucky came into existence. The movement to form the state from part of Virginia had been in effect since the mid-1700s. Ten political conventions were held; the final of those was for the intent of framing a constitution. On June 1, Kentucky became the 15th state admitted into the union, with Isaac Shelby serving as governor. The Kentucky constitution was signed at what is now known as Constitution Square in Danville.
For more on Kentucky's road to statehood, read this excellent post from our friends at the Kaintuckeean and this in-depth history of the Kentucky Constitution.
Happy birthday, Kentucky!!
Maker's Mark and Ale-8 Popsicles
A bourbon and Ale-8 popsicle is the perfect warm-weather treat for Kentuckians!
I'm obsessed with popsicles. It's been oppressively hot this summer and a popsicle seems like the only reasonable option when even breathing causes you to break a sweat. Popsicles are also easy to make. You can even easily create your own unique recipes, which is what I exactly what I decided to do.
Nothing says Kentucky like Maker's Mark Bourbon Whisky. There are already a wide variation of bourbon and peach popsicles, as well as bourbon and chocolate popsicles. However, I like to keep things simple and there is nothing simpler (or more Kentucky) than Maker's Mark and Ale-8.
Bourbon and Ale-8 Popsicles
1. Determine how much your popsicle molds hold. Mine held about four ounces.
2. Keep the alcohol content below 10%. I mixed up enough for about two molds at a time.
3. Mix bourbon and Ale-8. I used one ounce of bourbon and seven ounces of Ale-8.
4. Fill your molds about 3/4 of the way full and freeze for at least four to six hours.
If you don't have access to Ale-8 or you don't really care for it, then you can use coke for a classic bourbon and coke popsicles. I actually made a batch of each. Coke has a slightly higher sugar content so I preferred the bourbon and coke combo.
Once frozen, find a shady spot, take a seat, and enjoy!
~ Sarah Stewart Holland
Maker's Mark Chocolate Chess Pie
I LOVE Chess Pie. I especially love the chocolate chess pie at Homemade Ice Cream & Pie Kitchen. Of course, my favorite flavor profile on earth is the mixture of rich bittersweet chocolate with a sweet, high-wheat bourbon, especially Maker's Mark. The dark chocolate notes paired with the vanilla and caramels of the Maker's to create a decadent treat. It just made sense to bake a pie that combined these two! I adapted from this great recipe.
Pie Crust
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) cold butter
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- Pinch Kosher Salt
- 2/3 cup cold whole milk
- Stir together the butter, flour, and salt in a mixing bowl. Using a pastry blender, cut the butter into the flour until the butter is the size of peas.
- Add milk, one splash at a time to the flour and stir. Continue adding the milk until the mixture forms a ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and flatten into a disk shape.
- Chill dough about 15 minutes.
- Roll dough, place in a pie place and trim and crimp the edges.
- Chill dough while you make the filling.
Filling
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
- 2 ounces Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 3 tablespoons Maker's Mark Bourbon Whisky
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees
- Place butter and chocolate in a small glass bowl or measuring cup and microwave for 45-60 seconds. Stir and let sit to finish melting the chocolate and then to let it cool a bit.
- Place sugar, eggs, flour, bourbon, salt and vanilla in a large bowl. Whisk well to combine.
- Add chocolate mixture to the sugar mixture and whisk until smooth.
- Pour filling into pie crust and bake in preheated oven until edges are browned and filling is puffed and set (but still wiggly in the center), about 30 minutes.
- Let cool and serve alone, with whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream.
Easy Summer Outfits!
Dress up your summer wardrobe!
The past few days have brought warm temperatures and the end of school. And, I don't know about y'all, but I just don't feel like getting dressed up at all. Even when I need to. Here are some cute ways to pull yourself together without trying too hard.
Fun dresses
Lightweight dresses are always a great option. These Lilly Pulitzer dresses are a perfect match for dinner, drinks, or anything else that pops up.
And there's nothing more comfortable than a well-made t-shirt dress with fun tennis shoes for a day of running errands or hanging out with friends.
Sweatshirts and Shorts
There really is a way to wear a structured long-sleeved top with shorts without looking like you're headed to a sorority rush workshop. Opt for fun prints and quality fabrics to pull the look together
The LL Bean French Sailor's Shirt is my FAVORITE. I have this in cream and navy, and cream and rose, and it is just the perfect thing for most any season! I just got this Lilly Pulitzer
Dress up your sneakers and flip-flops!
You really don't want to wear old sneakers or rubber flip-flops, do you? I love a pretty pair of Keds with skirts, and Jack Rogers sandals with just about anything!
What's on your summer wardrobe wishlist?
The Kentucky Derby Fan's Guide to the Preakness Stakes
With Kentucky Derby Winner Nyquist and Derby second-place finisher Exaggerator ranking as many oddsmakers' favorites in this weekend's Preakness Stakes, horse racing fans' attention has turned to Maryland's Pimlico Park. Here's the HerKentucky Guide to the Preakness Stakes, which will tell you everything you need to know about this weekend's race festivities!
Black-Eyed Susan Day
The day before the Preakness, Pimlico celebrates Black-Eyed Susan Day with a G2 race for 3 year-old fillies. Known as the Pimlico Oaks until 1952 when it was renamed to honor the Maryland state flower, the Black Eyed Susan Stakes serves as the second leg of the filly Triple Crown. Like the Kentucky Oaks, the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes has a charitable focus, benefitting the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and Susan G. Komen® Maryland.
Preakness Traditions
This weekend marks the 141st running of the Preakness Stakes. Race day will start off with the annual Alibi Breakfast for trainers, jockeys, owners, and media. The crowd will sing along with Maryland's state song, Maryland, My Maryland, and sip Black-Eyed Susan cocktails. The winning owner will be given a sterling silver replica of the Woodlawn vase (The original trophy, an 1893 creation by Tiffany & Co, remains on permanent display) and the winning horse will be draped in a blanket of Black-Eyed Susans.
Preakness Fashion
While the focus on Kentucky Derby Day is high fashion, the Preakness is all about fun. I asked Bri Mott, the founder of raceday style website Fashion at the Races (and the most fashionable horse lover I know!) to describe the difference in Derby and Preakness style. Her tips? "Dressing for the Preakness Stakes is very different than the Southern Belle style of the Kentucky Derby. Preakness is known for its 'party' factor with all the crazy stories of the infield. You want to bring the party into your fashion. Bold colors and flashy prints. Less brimmed hats and more fun fascinators. It's all about the fun and you show that in your raceday style!"
Preakness Spirits
Like the Derby's famous mint julep, the Preakness has its own signature cocktail, the Black-Eyed Susan. You can find the official recipe here, but I modified mine with homemade sour mix, Indian River Valencia orange juice, and Boteco Vodka. This is a sweet and sassy citrus-based cocktail that packs quite the punch!
Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 1 oz Maker's Mark bourbon whisky
- 2 oz orange juice
- 2 oz sour mix (recipe below)
- orange slice and cherry for garnish
Combine all ingredients and serve over ice.
Homemade Sour mix
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup lemon juice, strained
- 0.5 cup lime juice, strained
Make simple syrup by bringing sugar and water to a boil. Stir to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat and let cool. Add citrus juices. Shake and use immediately or refrigerate.
Happy Preakness weekend, y'all!
This post was brought to you by The Kentucky Derby Book.