Alfresco dining simply means enjoying your meal outdoors and hopefully with family and good friends.  Basically, it's another reason to entertain.  So naturally I turn to one of my favorite culinary retail shops, Williams Sonoma, for a cookbook that is one of the most inspiring for recipes, menus, and the most helpful hints for an alfresco meal.

There is nothing I like better than to get up early-ish on a Saturday morning and head over to the Farmer’s Market.  I am fortunate to live in an area that has so many to choose from on Saturdays and throughout the week.  My ultimate, ultimate favorite is the farmer’s market at Findlay Market, and if I am not doing a tasting or at a festival or market with In the Curious Kitchen, you will find me perusing the booths at a farmer’s market. 

There are all different sorts of gins, too. Gin, like vodka, can be made from any base material but the flavors and botanicals used in gin affects the taste and it can vary from label to label. Some have distinctive juniper flavors, others are more sweet, some are very dry, some brands are definitely smoother than others, and, just like bourbon, the flavor is affected by what it is stored in. Some gins, just like wine, are more oaky than others.

History of Father’s Day

How to entertain like a pro this summer.

Erin Jean McDowell is an inspiration. She makes baking approachable with humor, a smile and lots of butter.

A yard filled with herbs, heirloom tomatoes and beautiful cut flowers fills my soul. During COVID-19, my husband Steve built raised garden beds so we could grow the most delicious lettuces, tomatoes, squash, and flowers.

Learn how I plan to fancy up hot dog toppings for this years Memorial Day picnic.

Our Bourbon Blueberry Jam celebrates my hometown, Frankfort KY, and my favorite fruit. The perfect addition to a charcuterie board, on a buttermilk biscuit, and paired with brie cheese.

Kentucky Derby Party Cocktail and Food Recipes

Fun fact: The Kentucky Derby is one of the biggest at-home party days of the year. And far be it from me not to join the crowd on this one. For almost every Kentuckian, that first Saturday in May so affectionately known as Derby Day is right up there with Christmas and New Year’s Eve. It is a fun time no matter how you slice it!

My favorite Kentucky Derby party recipes include our Mint Julep is the classic cocktail, and, in my opinion, is the perfect recipe. Another favorite recipe that is inspired from this cookbook is the Bourbon Ball Cake. I also have versions on our website IntheCuriousKitchen.com of recipes for Benedictine Spread/ Dip, Spiced Pecans, Country Ham Pate, Pecan Cheese Wafers, and, of course, The Kentucky Hot Brown. I have taken the basic recipe and added my own curious spin.

Kentucky Derby -All you need to know

Beef Bourguignon celebrates my two favorite female chefs, Julia Childs and Ina Garten.

Old Fashioned Cocktail History

During this winter into early spring season, I’ve been looking for things that inspire me. I quickly realized that the simple things in my life do indeed bring me much joy.

How many days until Valentines? It’s just around the corner and I have some great ideas to spice up your Valentines Day celebration.

There is still Halloween candy left, the carved jack-o-lanterns are still on the front steps, and we’re just a few days into November but it’s not too early to start planning for the holidays. Let me rephrase that…it’s never too early to start planning for the holidays!

Easy Fall Bourbon Cocktails

When the temperature begin to cool I start thinking about putting on a pot of soup. My family has always had soup on our weekly menu this during the fall and winter season.

I spend a lot of time in my kitchen and having the right tools is essential to making cooking as easy and hassle free as possible.