The Kentucky Derby is fast approaching, and whether you are watching ‘The Run for the Roses’ race in person at Churchill Downs or from your sofa, there’s an easy way to make your annual Derby Party better than ever this year: with more bourbon, of course!

At Bentwood, we love great food. And because of this, we had the pleasure of meeting Chef and Owner, Matt Jamie of Bourbon Barrel Foods, located in Louisville, KY.  This historic Butchertown Market area in Louisville has become a cornerstone in bourbon and gourmet foods. Matt Jamie “produces a collection of all-natural award-winning gourmet foods that embrace the history and mystique of Kentucky” through innovative uses of bourbon barrels. It’s never been a better time to “Eat Your Bourbon”, as their slogan goes.

With this in mind, we decided to ask our new friends for ingenious ways to infuse a little extra Kentucky Bourbon into a traditional Derby Party menu. So spice up your Derby festivities, and try your hand at these tempting recipes, (courtesy of Bourbon Barrel Foods), that will bring a little something unique but decidedly flavorful to the table.

Best of all, most of these recipes take just minutes to create, so you can spend ample time out of the kitchen, enjoying the celebration. All of these artisanal ingredients can be purchased online at Bourbon Barrel Foods.

Mint Julep Cocktail

Here is Matt Jamie showing us how to make the best mint julep for your Derby party.

The following featured recipes will go perfectly with this refreshing Southern cocktail!

Bourbon Smoked Spice Pecans

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. pecan halves
Enough oil to coat pecans
2 heaping Tbsp. Bourbon Smoked Chef’s Blend

Coat pecans in oil and cook in a three quart pan on medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes. Strain pecans. Mix pecans with Bourbon Smoked Chef’s Blend in a separate bowl.

Pimento Cheese

Recipe: https://bourbonbarrelfoods.com/pimento-cheese/

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 (4oz.) jar of diced pimentos, drained
• 1 tsp. Bourbon Barrel Aged Worcestershire Sauce
• ¼ tsp. Bourbon Barrel Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp. finely grated red onion
• ¼ tsp. ground Bourbon Barrel Smoked Pepper
• Dash of hot sauce (optional)
• 1 (8 oz.) block of extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, finely shredded
• 1 (8 oz.) block of white Cheddar cheese, finely shredded

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and stir well to combine. Serve with crackers, bread or pretzels. Pimento cheese keeps for one week in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus

Recipe: https://bourbonbarrelfoods.com/quick-and-easy-sheet-pan-salmon/

Ingredients

For the Spiced Lemon Aioli:
1/3 cup mayo
½ Tbsp lemon juice
¼ tsp Bourbon Smoked Chef’s Blend
1 scallion, green part only, thinly sliced

For the Salmon:
4 (4-6 ounce) filets of salmon
1 pound asparagus, woody ends trimmed
3 Tbsp olive oil
1½ Tbsp Bourbon Smoked Chef’s Blend
½ tsp Bourbon Smoked Salt

Instructions
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the aioli. Set aside. Preheat the
oven to 425 degrees.

2. Cover a large, rimmed sheet pan with parchment or aluminum foil. Lay the
salmon filets on the pan and drizzle with olive oil and season each fillet with ¼
teaspoon of Chef’s Blend and a pinch of smoked salt. Place the asparagus on the
sheet pan and drizzle with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ½ teaspoon Chef’s Blend
and ¼ teaspoon smoked salt. Toss to evenly coat. Spread asparagus in a single layer
next to the salmon.

3. Place pan in the oven and roast for 12-15 minutes (cooking time will vary based
on the thickness of salmon). Remove from oven and serve immediately.

Where Bourbon Meets Its Match in Food

For our Foodie Friends, we wanted to share the behind-the-scenes look at the Bourbon Barrel Chef Studio all decked out with Monogram Pro Appliances and Bentwood Cabinetry.  So next time you are visiting Louisville, KY we highly recommend stopping by this shop that has something tasty for everyone! Find out more about the Bourbon Barrel Foods story here.

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