Recalls and The Kentucky Derby

Recall.........

McCormick & Company has announced a vountary recall of Lawry's Fajitas Spices & Seasonings packages with UPC Code 2150022500 and a "best if used by" date of OCTO110PX62. Packages were distributed to grocery stores nationally beginning on October 17, 2008. The product is available in 1.27 oz. pouches, and the date code is found printed in black on the back, bottom center of the pouch. The recall was initiated after it was discovered milk was not listed as an ingredient. No illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported to date. Consumers do ot need to return the product to the store where it was purchase. Instead, contact Lawry's Consumer Affairs team at 1-800-952-9797 for a replacement or full refund.

Kentucky Derby..........

It's Kentucky Derby time this Saturday, May 2nd in Louisville, KY. I've had the pleasure of
visiting Churchill Downs twice and what a thrill to see the paddocks, the track, the grandstands and all the hoopla that goes with attending the biggest event held in May in Kentucky, the Blue Grass State. If you ever get a chance to visit Churchill Downs, check out the Derby Museum and Gift Shop. Try riding the mechanical horses - it will be a thrill and you'll understand why jockeys are the world's best athletes. Last week I mentioned in my blog that my pick for the Derby is
"I Want Revenge". I'm still sticking with that horse. We'll see.

I would fit right in with the ladies wearing those fancy hats to the Derby. I love big hats!
Speculation has it that when the Derby was first brought to Louisville, they wanted it to be a social affair. They went around to all of the women's clubs in town and invited the women to dress up in their finest to come to the Derby. Of course at that time, the hat was essential and the hat just carried through. I also found out that wearing a hat to the Kentucky Derby is believed to bear good luck!

The Mint Julep has an interesting story........Mint Juleps were first served in the early to mid 1700's in Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina. They were described as "a dram of spirituous liquor that has mint in it, taken by Virginians in the morning." A sweet concoction that may have been a vehicle for medicine. The tradition of sipping mint juleps migrated westward to Kentucky and soon became associated with horse racing. A Derby party anywhere is not really a Derby party without mint juleps.

Mint Juleps

2 fluid ounces Early Times® Kentucky Whisky
1 tablespoon simple syrup
Mint sprigs
Crushed ice

Simple Syrup:
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 bunch fresh mint sprigs

DIRECTIONS
Crush a few mint leaves in the bottom of an 8-oz. glass, then fill with crushed ice. Add one tablespoon of simple syrup and one tablespoon of water. Add 2 ounces of Early Times. Stir gently until glass frosts. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig, sip and enjoy.
Simple syrup directions: Combine sugar and water. Boil for 5 minutes without stirring. Pour mix over a handful of mint leaves, and gently crush the mint with a spoon. Refrigerate overnight in a closed jar. Remove mint leaves, but continue to refrigerate. Stays fresh for several weeks.