A recipe inspired by my culinary hero's-Julia Childs and Ina Garten.

Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita.

It is a sweet and spicy version of a classic. Shake in our Strawberry Jalapeño Jam into my favorite Margarita recipe.

The Yellow Notebook is a treasure trove of recipes that my mother compiled for me many years ago. While going through it recently, I stumbled upon a delicious Chicken Chili recipe that my sister Lynn learned from her friend in Virginia Beach. This traditional chili recipe has a unique twist, thanks to the addition of a jar of picante sauce and salsa. As I cannot wait to try it this year, I am excited to share this recipe with you. Read on to learn more about this mouth-watering Chicken Chili recipe.

Tailgating is like a religion around here–and it was back when I was in college, too. There were elaborate set-ups, tents, tables, chairs, food and plenty of adult beverages, and one group even brought their hot tub so fans could watch the game on TV and soak at the same time. Legendary. Now, I don’t quite go to those extremes but I do love a good tailgate and all of the things that go with it.

Tailgate parties evolve through the football season, too. I love it when there is a chill in the air and it’s sweater weather. The tailgate menu features soups or chili and all that goes with it. But now, we are coming off a slight heatwave, the menu will have to suit the weather. Although I love a good soup any time of the year, it’s still a bit warm outdoors for chili on the tailgate menu.

Mint juleps in and of themselves are refreshing and I do enjoy them year-round and not just for Derby season. There’s just something about that icy cold julep cup that makes them perfect for a steamy hot summer day. Adding the watermelon was just a bonus because watermelon is pure perfection in the summer and added a curious twist to that classic cocktail.

The Aperol Spritz was the perfect choice to cool down, refresh, and relax on a hot summer day.

Fresh Corn Salad is from the yellow notebook my Mom made for me a few years after I got married. It was full of family favorites and this recipe celebrates summer vegetables. This easy summertime recipe will make the most of the seasons freshest, in season bounty. A delicious vegetarian dish. Perfect for outdoor entertaining.

New Cocktail Recipe Alert. Let me introduce you to your next new favorite summer cocktail: the Blackberry Bramble.  The recipe is so quick, easy, and oh-so delectable.  It’s very refreshing and will be the perfect addition to your summer lineup!  Made with fresh blackberries, In the Curious Kitchen Orange Bitters and Pappy and Co Maple Syrup.

In our family we called it “The Casserole”, an easy and delicious chicken dish filled with almonds, broccoli and covered a tasty sauce. It was the dish my Mom took to her work pot lucks and the meal that I loved the most. She always made two, one for work and one for dinner. A popular 80’s dinner and one that I make today for mine. Serve with a salad for a easy dinner tonight.

Mint Juleps aren’t the only cocktail served at Churchill Downs. The Lily is the signature drink created for the Kentucky Oaks race (the day before the Kentucky Derby) and is a close relative of the Cosmopolitan.

Benedictine spread is as iconic as the Kentucky Derby itself. Serve as a spread for sandwiches or as a dip with your favorite spring vegetables.

Bourbon Ball Cake recipe was inspired by MK's bourbon balls, in the form of a bourbon ball cake topped with dark chocolate ganache.

The best of both worlds, Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs

Update your chicken wing recipe with our Hot Pepper Jelly.

Birthdays are special, I love celebrating mine with a Pineapple Upside Down Cake.

Love In the Curious Kitchen Beer Cheese and want a unique way to use your favorite dip? Our soup recipe will be a warm and welcome addition to your soup line up. Our Beer Cheese makes a perfect addition to your Super Bowl Party, Fathers Day, or any day of the week.

Inspired by my Mom’s recipe, this Kentucky favorite is also a delicious snack to enjoy with pretzels or vegetables.

Sharp Cheddar cheese gets a little kick from local beer, garlic and spices

So many of my Mother’s favorite recipes, the ones she compiled in a spiral-bound notebook just for me, are the collaborative work of a lifetime of potlucks and family gatherings. Kay’s Lemon Pie is a favorite and can be made with ready-made graham cracker crust or a homemade version. The is the one thing my Mom’s friend Kay would bring to their work pot luck lunches. Kay would tell you she was not a pie maker but after making this recipe and I am sure you would disagree. The perfect summer holiday pie. Memorial Day and July 4th will taste a whole lot sweeter.

Springtime in Kentucky is so special. After the Kentucky Derby I am focused on cooking and baking with the fresh ingredients that come from our rich soil. My favorite fruit of the season is strawberries and rhubarb. I love the contrast of the sweet and tart that the combination of these two bring. Tossed in sugar and baked in a rich and buttery crust, the Strawberry Rhubarb Crostata will be a family favorite.

Mint Juleps-the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby