Local Flavor Recipes

Now that Spring has sprung in the Bluegrass, it seems like we're getting ready for lots of entertaining: Easter, Derby Brunches, dinner after the Races. I decided for more of local flavors, I'd share here two of my favorite recipes from Creating a Stir that might be good to make at an event you might be hosting this Spring.

Creating a Stir has to be the best cookbook I've ever had! It was published by the Fayette County Medical Auxiliary in 1999 and has literally become my cooking Bible. I've yet to make a dish from it that hasn't become a house favorite. The book is also peppered with anecdotes about famous Kentuckians that add to the flavor! I love to give this book as a closing gift to people relocating to Lexington and it's a great graduation gift or wedding shower gift.

Always getting rave reviews from the book is The Feta Cranberry Walnut Salad

A bunch of mixed greens (about 8 people’s worth)

½-1 cup of craisins
1 cup of crumbled Feta
½-1 cup of chopped walnuts (I toast these but putting them in a little skillet with about a tablespoon of butter and then browning them)

Dressing is:
½ cup of vegetable oil
¼ cup of cider vinegar
¼ cup of chopped onion (chop very fine)
¼ cup of sugar (I’ve used splenda before but don’t really recommend it)

½ tsp. of paprika
¼ tsp. of ground mustard
¼ tsp of celery seed
1/8 ground pepper


Spinach Salad recipe is a

Baby Spinach for about 10 people
Sliced fresh strawberries (typically I use about 2/3 to a whole one of those plastic containers they sell strawberries in at Kroger)

Dressing
½ cup of sugar
¼ cup cider vinegar
½ cup vegetable oil
1 ½ teaspoons of minced onion
¼ tsp. Worcestershire sauce
¼ tsp paprika
1 tab. Poppy seeds
2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds (I literally “toast” these in the toaster oven now as I always burn them if I broil them)

Whisk all of those together but put the poppy seeds and sesame seeds in last.

These are the basic recipes from Creating a Stir (I’m writing them from memory so there might be some slight variations that I’ve added over the years)

Enjoy and Happy Spring!

Jean Farris Winery

Found a great new spot that's a definite highlight for local flavor. The Jean Farris Winery located out Old Richmond Road.

If you are new to Kentucky, or just been sleeping the last few years, one of the biggest changes in the local landscape is the absence of tobacco fields. Several years ago, the state started an initiative subsidizing replacement crops for tobacco. One of the funded crops has been vineyards and a number of lovely vineyards and wineries have popped in place of tobacco. One of the newest additions is the Jean Farris Winery which includes a remarkable bistro. The short five mile drive out Old Richmond Road is a reminder of what a treasure the Fayette County landscape is -- rolling hills, horses (and babies this time of year!) and beautiful Antebellum homes. Once your at the winery, the atmosphere and food is fantastic. The wine's quite good too! Their website is www.JeanFarris.com and you'll want a reservation!

Greetings from Atlanta!

Until Wednesday, I'll be attending the RE/MAX International Convention in Atlanta, Georgia networking with other RE/MAX agents from across the globe (!). I've already been learning about some great new ideas and techniques that will help me more effectively market and sell your home as well as lots of new strategies to help me be an even better negotiator on behalf of my buyer clients. I believe it's so important to stay current of what's new in this ever-changing real estate market. While I hate being away from my business for even a few days, I love the opportunity to "sharpen my saw" as Steven Covey would call it. In fact, tomorrow Steven Covey is the opening speaker.

I look forward to being back in Lexington Wednesday with new and powerful tools to put to work for my clients!