Silver mint julep cups are classic and simple accents that can give any home a little more Southern charm. According to Kentucky’s Derby Museum, the mint julep became Churchill Downs’ signature drink in 1938 when they started serving juleps in souvenir glasses for 75 cents apiece. Seventy years later julep cups will cost you anywhere from $6 to $30, to even hundreds of dollars for unique or antique silver varieties. You can pick them up for a number of places including online vendors like Save on Crafts or bigger box retailers such as Pottery Barn. If you’re like me and prefer to buy yours from a truly Southern shop, try the Historic Charleston Foundation where all profits go towards historic preservation of the Holy City.
Photo: Pottery Barn
Whether you need a beautiful vase for the dinner table, a small arrangement to welcome overnight guests, or something a little classier for your candle or even your toothbrush – julep cups will exceed your design expectations.
Photo: A Country Farm House
And if these photos only make you thirsty, you can always stick with the intended purpose. Enjoy!
Classic Mint Julep:
- Boil equal parts of water and sugar in a small saucepan for 3-4 minutes until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and add a dozen fresh mint leaves. Let cool completely, storing in the refrigerator overnight.
- Place a couple more fresh mint leaves and a tablespoon of mint syrup in each chilled julep cup. Gently press the leaves to open up flavors, but do not fully muddle.
- Fill cup with crushed ice and pour an ounce of bourbon over the ice.
- Add a straw and serve COLD.
Photo: The Seattle Times
Guest Blogger: Amy writes an adorable and funny blog with her husband called Triangle Honeymoon. You can read her blog here: www.trianglehoneymoon.com
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Football season is here!!
We may be the females of the family, but we can still have interest in good, Southern tradition. We cook and men eat.
Southern tradition calls for a tailgate: Finger foods, fried chicken, and chip and dip.
What are you preparing in your kitchen for next Saturday??
Occasionally I get tired of the same ol’ same ol’ foods and desire something different. Mexican, American, home-cooked, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Italian, German…. GREEK! Some of the most flavorful dishes are found in Greek cuisine. Where is your Greek restaurant near you?? I just want a great GYRO (pronounced: YEER-o)!
What’s in your oven?? Try out these Oreo Muffins for a get together or morning gathering.
What’s in them?
1 3/4 cups self rising flour
3/4 cup of sugar
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup sour cream
1 egg, beaten
4 TBSP melted margarine
10-15 Oreo Cookies smashed
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Turn oven to 400 degrees. Cook for 20-25 minutes.
Often times people pass up the avocado section at local supermarkets or farmers markets. Reason?? People don’t know the proper way to choose, core, cut, and serve avocados.
The first the you need to do is decide when you will be serving the dish. The sooner, the softer, yet not too soft. You want the skin to still be close to the actual meat of the avocado.
After unpacking the groceries, take the avocado over a chopping block and slice lengthwise.
Next, you can either stick the knife as if to cut the seed and twist to remove, or you can spoon it out.
If you are serving on a salad, you may want to have slices. You will need to make slice marks while holding half still in its shell, then spoon out and serve.
If you are making guacamole, do the same as above but slice the length and width of the avocado. Careful not to cut the outer portion (only make marks through the green).
Let’s be honest. Somedays I’d rather be perched in a tree house: relaxing in the branches, tucked away in my green hideout, taking a break from the world below. The thought makes me feel like a little girl again! And now, my friends, I have found just such an escape that, let’s say, passes as a little more age-appropriate. Tucked away in the Atlanta, Georgia suburb of Buckhead, this particular Treehouse offers a delicious meal and comfy atmosphere for all of its guests. Invite some friends, coworkers, and family alike, and without question you’ll want to return for more. May I recommend the grilled cheese with tomato?
In Atlanta? Please come on in and join me!
Somehow my food just tastes better under colorful umbrellas, in good company, and on an outdoor patio.
And to think I get to leave this tree house with twig-free hair and still so refreshed!
I’ve got a little something to share with y’all: Birmingham, Alabama is not a place to be overlooked. From delicious barbecue joints to chic boutiques, the magic city possesses some true Southern charm. And shall I mention what comes to town for the hot summer months? That’s right…a fresh farmers market. The historic Pepper Place greets the sunrise every Saturday of the summer months with farmers, vendors, musicians galore! In need of some fresh veggies? Want a little atmosphere while you browse? Well, throw on your tank top and flip flops and meet me at the Pepper Place Farmers Market!
There seems always to be a running list of “must reads.” Not sure that I’ll ever get to the bottom of it. But who says I can’t take the time to admire it? Jane Mount offers a little help.
This Atlanta girl will help you create your ideal bookshelf. Pretty, isn’t it? Maybe I would include a little Nancy Drew, Gone with the Wind, and Francine Rivers. Or maybe all cookbooks…
What’s on your bookshelf?
