Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Mint Julep

Now I know it's not the beginning of May and the Kentucky Derby, which is often synonymous with the mint julep, or visa versa. It's the end of May and it's hot and after all I am in the south and this is definitely a southern drink. I have finally been able to grow some mint, and if you want your herbs to thrive you need to trim them and use them. I already have been using it as garnish and added it to my fresh pea soup, but it's a holiday weekend my husbands out on his motorcycle and he doesn't like bourbon....it was all there and made sense to make a mint julep!

I had some simple syrup that I made for a guava sorbet that I had made earlier, so that was ready too. I had to crush the ice, but then I gave up and added a few larger chunks. Did you know the mint julep even had it's own glass? It's made out of pewter, but you still had to hold it at the base or the rim not to warm the drink. Maybe a handle would of been better...just saying.

Ingredients:
For Each Serving:
4 sprigs of mint leaves
Crushed ice
2 tablespoons mint syrup, simple syrup, sugar, or powdered sugar

2 tablespoons water
2 ounces good-quality Kentucky bourbon

The syrup that I made for the sorbet had some ginger infused when I made the syrup. If I was making it just for this maybe I'd try using mint leaves in the sauce pan when making it, but this worked fine it's such a small amount. Simple syrup is the easiest to mix into a cold drink like lemonade or any cocktail. Actually the leaves alone made it plenty minty!

In a old fashioned glass or if you are lucky enough to have a mint julep glass place the mint leaves and a touch of sugar to get some abrasion when you muddle the leaves. You can also add a touch of the bourbon to get the mint going and infused. It's like when making a mojito. Fill the glass with shaved or crushed ice and add bourbon. Top with more ice, garnish with a mint sprig, and serve with a straw.

Just a nice sunny flower I had to get a picture of when we were at the farmer's market on Sat.

Of course all the amounts are adjustable to your personal preference. I didn't add as much sugar so it wouldn't be too sweet. This was so refreshing, I enjoyed sipping on it as I was sitting on the veranda enjoying the holiday that kicks off summer. Cheers!!

Thanking and remembering all the soldiers who fought to keep our country safe and free. We wish to thank them and their families who sacrificed so much for their country.

Saturday Farmer's Market-Downtown Sarasota

It is a beautiful day here in Sarasota! Crystal clear, blue skies, high today of 77° F, a great day to be outside and enjoying anything! Maranda and I were up early and went downtown to the farmer's market, about 7 mile from where we live. The have it every Saturday rain or shine. This morning was full of shine, but still not too hot yet!

We still have lots of strawberries. The cold didn't get all of them. I think they held up fairly well.

We picked up some locally organic ones that are pretty small. Maranda says "Oh those are perfect to make my smoothie". Perfect for her lunch too.

We like the variety of veggies and sizes. Any size potatoes, perfect for anything you want to do with them.

We headed over to the organic tent, not here....

On the way we pass several areas doing up some good smelling street food. Here they serve ribs, sausages, and other meats grilled to perfection! We just ate breakfast so we kept on going.

Yum! but they were too busy just now!

Everyone likes to bring there dogs to show them off. You wouldn't believe how many different breeds we saw.

They were so cute! I guess they need to socialize too!

I usually get my fennel at the farmer's market. Love it!

They have several booths of goods to sell. Flowers, candles and essential oils. Spices, cheese, and jewelry.

All sorts of tropical plants.

Now I know why it was so crowded. I know it was a nice day and all, but last Saturday was gorgeous too. They had an art festival going on downtown too!

On to the organic booth!

We got some butter lettuce, watermelon radish (for Wade bento lunch) kumquats too. Swiss chard (now I have to figure out what to do with that). Carrots, lemons, sweet potatoes, broccoli, champagne mangoes, strawberries... Good thing I'm off all week, and that we have an extra fridge in our garage!

We had a lot of fun, Maranda even said so!

All the color, and smells, and people! Not that the people smelled, it was the booth selling seafood! After that I took Maranda to the mall to meet her friend, then I went to the Italian shop for some cheese, pasta and sausage. Then to the Asian shop which is just yards away. I am eating my veggie Korean sushi right now while I'm posting, but I have to save some for Maranda, it's her favorite!

This week I'll be working on making a bento that is worthy of posting about. See this one needs help. I did give him some broccoli in another container, that would of looked good if I shoved some in here. This container has an ice pack that fits right over this, then the top cover.

Overall it's been a good start to spring break. It's supposed to rain tomorrow and Monday (Wade's days off). So I'll get to cleaning the house when it rains. I think I'll go out and sit on the lani, and enjoy!

You all have a great Saturday!