When people tell me they want to visit central Kentucky, I always say — come in April or October. Not only is the weather gorgeous, but the horses are running at Keeneland in Lexington.
The exception to this rule? You want to experience the Kentucky Derby. Then you’ll need to visit the first week in May.
Derby week is one of the best times to be in the state. There is a spirit of excitement in the air, and everyone is focused on everything Kentucky from food, to bourbon, to hats, to horses.
We’ve never been to the Derby, but we take part in the celebration. Last Saturday my husband and I ran the Kentucky Derby Half Marathon, an event that kicks off the week’s festivities.
To further celebrate the big day, I’m always on the lookout for ways to recreate Derby favorites. Last year I went with Mint Julep Scones and Bourbon Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies with coconut oil.
The Mint Julep is the classic Derby drink that combines Kentucky bourbon with mint-infused simple syrup. Chocolate chips, pecans and bourbon are the traditional ingredients in Derby day pie.
I find that mint rarely has it’s time to shine, especially right now when it’s at peak season in the herb garden. In order to give it the attention it deserves, I stuck with the Mint Julep theme again this year, but I decided on a dessert.
These pecan blondies have a touch of mint-infused simple syrup in the batter, and then they are topped off with a bourbon mint buttercream frosting!
Whether you prefer drink or dessert, enjoy your Mint Julep and celebrations of the Bluegrass State!
- ½ cup (one stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup mascavo/muscovado sugar*
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon mint-infused simple syrup**
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1 cup unbleached, all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup chopped raw pecans
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 ½ tablespoons Kentucky bourbon
- 2 leaves fresh mint, very finely chopped
- Pinch of salt
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, and grease an 8x8 inch pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter and sugar. Add the egg and continue to stir until it is blended into the batter. Add the vanilla and simple syrup. Stir in the salt.
- Gently fold in the flour. Mix just the dry ingredients are blended in. Finally, stir in the pecans.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and spread evenly. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges are browned and the center is firm. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.
- Beat the butter and powdered sugar together until the butter is distributed throughout the sugar. Add the bourbon and beat until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Add the mint and salt, and beat about 30 seconds more.
- Frost the blondies and serve.
- *Brown sugar can be used in place of mascavo sugar, but if you can find mascavo, I encourage you to try it. I still have friends from Brazil bring it to me when they travel to the States because it is so affordable there. I did recently find it at our Asian market here (more often called muscovado). It is much less expensive in an international market, and in a larger quantity than what you will find in a health food store.
- **You can make mint-infused simple syrup by combining 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat, and place several sprigs of fresh mint in the syrup. The mint will infuse the syrup as it cools. Once cooled (it's best when left to infuse for several hours) remove the mint and store the syrup in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
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I’ve never had a mint julep, but they sound delish…as do these blondies! I used to visit Lexington every spring for the Rolex three day event when I was a kid. Lexington is absolutely beautiful!!!
Such a creative spin on the mint julep, Lori! Going to the Derby is on my bucket list. Grandstand only though, no infield for me!
Madge – We love Rolex! We didn’t go this year, but have been in the past. It’s such a fun event.
Candy – Thanks! It’s on ours too, exactly the same conditions! 🙂 The infield isn’t appealing at all. I’d rather not go than watch it from there which is precisely why we’ve never gone. Ha, ha!
Beautiful photos! And the recipe sounds great even to this non-bourbon-lover.
This looks delicious! I`m reading about so many recipes with bourbon in it, and they all sound amazing. I have never cooked/baked with bourbon, but I am intrigued now!
This makes me want to go buy a bottle of bourbon and start baking. Such a fun take on a classic drink. 😉
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