Strawberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta and Almond Butter Devils on Horseback
I’ve teamed up with Barney Butter almond butter and Julian’s Recipe baguettes to celebrate National Brunch Month. Did you know that, although the concept of brunch was popularized in 1980s restaurants, the term “brunch” is believed to have been coined in 1895? I was on WKYT’s Everyday Kentucky this morning to talk about brunch and share a couple of great recipes! You can watch my interview here.
Here are a couple of great recipes for your next brunch. Strawberry goat cheese bruschetta on Julian’s Recipe Truffle Butter Baguette is so easy and adds such a fantastic mix of flavors! Barney’s Butter Almond Butter Devils on Horseback are a quick, tasty, and addictive addition to any brunch.
Julian’s Recipe Strawberry Bruschetta:
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon minced thyme
1 teaspoon minced rosemary
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
½ pound goat cheese
2 cups chopped strawberries
2 cups of arugula or spinach
1 Julian’s recipe Truffle Butter Baguette
Directions:
In a small bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Place bread on ungreased baking sheets; brush with oil mixture.
Broil 3-4 in. from the heat until lightly browned, 1-2 minutes. Spread with goat cheese. Broil until the cheese begins to melt, 2-3 minutes longer.
In a small bowl, combine strawberries and arugula. Layer over cheese. Enjoy!
Barney Butter’s Almond Butter Devils on Horseback
Ingredients:
12 Medjool dates (pits removed)
1/4-1/2 cup Barney Butter crunchy almond butter
4 oz thinly sliced prosciutto
1 tbsp balsamic reduction
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Make a single cut lengthwise down each of the dates, taking care to only cut through one layer, not all the way through.
Squeeze the date from the ends to open it up and, using a teaspoon, fill it with almond butter. Repeat with the rest of the dates.
Wrap the filled dates in half a piece of prosciutto and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 20 minutes or until the prosciutto is crispy. Place on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic reduction. Serve warm and enjoy!
Whiskey Wednesday: Old Wm. Tarr Manchester Reserve Whiskey
A new whiskey label that honors Lexington’s bourbon history.
There’s nothing I love more than a deep dive into Kentucky — and whiskey — history, and RD1 Spirits Old Wm. Tarr Manchester Reserve whiskey provides just that.
The original William Tarr was a Kentuckian and entrepreneur who was born in 1824 in Paris, Kentucky. He is said to have begun selling watermelons from his family’s farm while still in high school. After a few business endeavors — including stints in land speculation and at another whiskey venture, Tarr was at one point described as “one of the money kings of the Blue Grass.” He purchased the Ashland Distillery, which had the distinction of receiving the first federal distilling license, RD1, on Manchester Street in Lexington in the 1870s.
I love how the RD1 Spirits company pays homage to an early distiller through this product’s branding. I also love the fact that UK Football Coach Mark Stoops is a minority investor. If you love Lexington history, there are so many “Easter eggs” in the Old Wm. Tarr branding!
Old Wm. Tarr Manchester Reserve is a blended whiskey — 8-year rye and 7-year bourbon — that pays tribute to Tart’s legacy. A 114 proof juice, it provides the spice of a rye and the caramel notes of a bourbon.
RD1 graciously sent me a review bottle of Old Wm. Tarr, along with a stunning Lexington Silver barrel beaker. This cup pays homage to Asa Blanchard, an 18th century Lexington silversmith often called the “Paul Revere of the South.” Blanchard’s original design mimics the lines of a whiskey barrel. It’s a perfect pairing for anyone who loves good whiskey and Kentucky history!
Cheers, y’all!
Booze News: Maker's Mark Keeneland Bottle
The 2022 Maker’s Mark Keeneland commemorative bottles are here!
This year's gorgeous collectable bottles feature one of three distinct label designs depicting scenes of Thoroughbred racing. The bottles feature the work of artists Sandra Oppegard, Andre Pater or Tyler Robertson. This year’s bottles will benefit Horse Mania, the public art initiative of LexArts, greater Lexington’s premier cultural development, advocacy and fundraising organization.
Each bottle is signed by the artist who created the design, along with Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin, Maker’s Mark Eighth Generation Whisky Maker & Managing Director Rob Samuels and one of three of the winningest female riders in Keeneland history: Julie Krone, Rosie Napravnik and Donna Barton Brothers.
“Keeneland is committed to supporting public art exhibits like Horse Mania, which have coincided with some of the major equestrian events at the racetrack and in our community and celebrate the vibrant cultural importance of our sport to the Commonwealth and the international stage,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said in a press release issued today. “We are excited to continue our longstanding collaboration with Maker’s Mark in support of LexArts.”
“At Maker’s Mark, we share LexArts’ commitment to celebrating and encouraging public art, such as those at our distillery in Loretto,” said Eighth Generation Whisky Maker & Managing Director Rob Samuels via press release. “I’m proud our long partnership with Keeneland allows us to support the popular Horse Mania in such a meaningful way.”
The three bottles will go on sale Friday, April 8, opening day of Keeneland’s 2022 Spring Meet. Bottles will be available at Lexington-area Liquor Barn Stores.
(Photos courtesy Maker’s Mark)
2022 Vineyard Vines Kentucky Derby Collection
Vineyard Vines celebrates the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby.
The 2022 Kentucky Derby Collection from Vineyard Vines is here. I love collecting these pieces to wear throughout Derby Season. The folks at Vineyard Vines always find the most adorable ways to celebrate Derby, and this year’s designs are so fun!
Women’s Tees
Check out the Women’s Rose Whale Long-Sleeved Tee and Women’s Whale Horseshoe Short-Sleeved Tee.
Men’s Tees
Y’all, I absolutely love the cut of a VV men’s tee. I wear the long-sleeved tees year-round, and this year’s Derby styles are fabulous. My favorites are the Men’s Derby Whale Horseshoe Long-Sleeved Tee, Men’s Bow Ties, Bourbon & Betting Tee, Men’s Derby Whale Tee, and the Men’s Derby Whale Fill Tee.
Accessories
The Vineyard Vines Derby accessories are always a must-see. My favorites this year are this Derby Tie and this gorgeous Fascinator by Louisville’s Forme Millinery.
Happy Derby Season, y’all!
{This post contains affiliate links. I will receive a small commission from any purchases made using the links in this post, at no cost to you!)
My favorites from the 2022 Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale!
Favorite styles from the 2022 Lilly Pulitzer sale!
This post contains affiliate links. I will receive a small commission from any purchases made using the links in this post, at no cost to you!
Hey y’all! The January 2022 Lilly Pulitzer Sunshine Sale is under way. It’s today-only, so I wanted to give you a quick rundown of a few of my favorite pieces!
I absolutely love the Skipper popover; it’s such an easy way to elevate a sweatshirt! The iconic Let’s Get Together print — which depicts friends of all races — is on sale now!
The Rumi Sweatshirt is so cute. The “Joy” Print is fantastic for Christmas, and I adore the “Love” print for Valentine’s Day!
The Elsa Top is my go-to for so many occasions, from meetings to dinner to errands. It’s literally the most wearable silk top I’ve ever seen!
Happy Shopping, y’all!
Bluegrass Hemp Oil for the Holidays
Kentucky-made CBD products bring comfort to your holiday season!
Disclaimer: I was provided the featured BHO products in exchange for an honest review. These are products I do love and purchase frequently. As always, thank you to the brands that keep HerKentucky going!
Hey y’all! I’ve teamed up with Bluegrass Hemp Oil to share some of the ways that their CBD products can help make the holidays more comfortable for everyone in your family! Use code HERKY10 for 10% off your online order!
I first learned about Bluegrass Hemp Oil a few years ago, when I had a CBD oil massage at Griffin Gate Spa. After seeing very dramatic results of how high-quality hemp oil could reduce inflammation around my cervical disc injury, I was sold on the healing properties of CBD! I love that Bluegrass Hemp Oil is a local company, and one that is committed to the highest standards of quality.
Bluegrass Hemp Oil is a pioneer in Kentucky’s hemp business. Founded in 2014 by a family seeking relief for their young son’s seizure disorder, they follow the highest standards for hemp cultivation, extraction, and manufacturing. I’ve had the opportunity to try several of their products over the past couple of years, and I have to say that I am a huge fan.
BHO products alleviate inflammation, reduce anxiety, and promote a general feeling of well-being. I keep their Hush Roller on hand at all times — in my purse, my nightstand, and my desk — to stop headaches immediately. They make the best stocking stuffers! I also love the Unruffled Dog Treats for my dogs — they help ease inflammation in achy joints, and lessen the severity of anxiety from holiday travel, fireworks, or other unexpected circumstances. My dogs love the flavors of these treats, and I love the benefits they provide! Use code HERKY10 to receive 10% off your online purchase of Bluegrass Hemp Oil products; I hope they’ll bring even more comfort to your holidays!
Ways to Help Those Impacted by the Western Kentucky Tornadoes
Donation links and supply drive information for the December 2021 tornadoes in Western Kentucky.
Hey y’all.
By now, we’ve all seen the horrible footage of the tornado damage in Western Kentucky. It’s absolutely heartbreaking, and most Kentuckians have friends, relatives, or coworkers who have been impacted in some way. We’re all looking for ways to help our Commonwealth.
FEMA’s guidelines for helping in disaster situations remind us that:
Cash is always the best donation because organizations on the ground can best assess need;
Confirm the need for in-kind donations. Used clothing is never a good donation, FEMA reminds us;
Connect to volunteer. Self-deployment is not a helpful use of resources.
I know that many people are budgeted out for the holidays and aren’t quite able to donate to disaster relief as freely as they’d like right now. Remember: the damage to these Western Kentucky communities will last far beyond a news cycle. Of course, immediate donations of money, supplies, and blood are always needed when a disaster hits, but these Kentuckians will also need help in the months to come. This post will serve as an ongoing list of resources and ways that you can help. Please let me know either in the comments of this post or via email if you know of additional ways to help.
Monetary Donations:
The most crucial need for disaster relief is money. Organizations like the Red Cross, the United Way, and local charities can do the most good with your tax-deductible monetary donations. I’ve listed a few reputable sources below and will update as I hear of more.
Community Foundation of Western Kentucky’s Disaster Relief Fund
Trace Creek Baptist Church (Mayfield, KY — one of the hardest hit communities) Tornado Relief Fund
Supply Drives:
In times of emergency, donated supplies are needed. Water, nonperishable food, feminine hygiene products, baby bottles and formula, diapers, and blankets are always immediate needs. Warm coats, hats, and gloves are needed, as are new underwear and socks. Toys provide comfort to displaced children. (And, please remember that supply drives are not a convenient way to offload old items. Your used clothing and stuffed animals are actually a hinderance to relief efforts.)
Lexington:
A semi truck will be parked at Mary, Queen of the Holy Rosary Church (601 Hill N Dale Rd, Lexington, KY 40503) from Monday afternoon through early Wednesday morning 10/13-15th. Supplies may also be dropped off at Christ the King Church (299 Colony Blvd, Lexington, KY 40502). Needs include: toiletries, adult/children/infant clothing, diapers/formula, blankets, non perishable food, children's books, toys, coats and hats. Items can go directly in the back of the truck.
2 Dudes Moving will be accepting bottled water, pop-top canned food, and other items in their semi truck at The Urban Squirrel (The Urban Squirrel, 203 Lisle Industrial Ave, Lexington, KY 40511) Monday-Wednesday 12/13-15th from 10-4.
Eastern Kentucky Schools:
Northeastern Kentucky Public School Districts have created a “Stuff the Bus” Drive for Schools will be stocking buses with supplies to send a support “caravan” across the state to those in need, according to the #TeamKentucky announcement. Each district is collecting specific items. Donated items should be sent to your child’s school or the district office by Wednesday, Dec. 15. Donation requests by school system are listed below.
Ashland: Personal hygiene items, socks
Boyd County: Water
Carter County: Coats, hats, gloves
Fairview: Shelf stable food, toiletries
Floyd County: Blankets
Greenup County: Toys
Johnson County: Water
Lawrence County: Cleaning supplies
Lewis County: Coats, hats, toys
Martin County: Stable food items, toiletries
Pike County: Toys
Paintsville: Blankets
Raceland: Water
Russell: Water
Louisville:
Bryce Applegate Motorsports and Fit4MomLouisville will be filling a trailer tomorrow, Monday the 13th, from 1-5 pm behind the Landis Lakes CVS (13900 Shelbyville Rd Louisville). Items requested include: diapers, baby wipes, baby formula, bottles, and feminine hygiene products. This trailer will be delivered to the Dawson Springs, KY area, a town highly impacted by the tornadoes.
Northeast Christian Church (9900 Brownsboro Road, Louisville 40241) is conducting a supply drive for Mayfield, KY. Supplies must be delivered by 6 PM Monday 12/13. Only new, unopened items will be accepted. Only bring the items requested by pastors in Mayfield: Non-perishable food, healthy snacks, pet food, food & gas gift cards (Kroger), paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, toiletries, baby wipes, new pillows, sleeping bags, blankets. Drop off items at ether Brownsboro Campus in the bins by the main entrance.
Donation-based Items for Purchase:
Shop Local Kentucky’s Kentucky Strong 270 Tee is available in three colors. 100% of net proceeds will be donated directly to the state’s tornado relief fund.
I’ll add to this post over the next few days as more donation opportunities arise. Please feel free to let me know of any donation drives or fundraising opportunities I may have missed.