5 Refreshing Mint Julep-Inspired Treats for Derby Day
Mint Julep Cupcakes
TIP: Replace vanilla extract with bourbon for frosting that packs a punch.
Simmer 1 cup each water and granulated sugar, 1 bunch fresh mint, and 1 piece lime peel in small saucepan over medium heat, stirring, 5 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat; let stand 10 minutes. Then strain into a liquid measuring cup through a fine-mesh sieve.
Make your favorite vanilla cupcakes, from scratch or a mix (I love the yellow cake recipe in the Good Housekeeping Great Baking cookbook)! While cupcakes are still warm, poke with a toothpick and brush with the mint simple syrup. Make our favorite cream cheese frosting recipe, replacing 1 teaspoon vanilla with bourbon. Frost cupcakes once cool. Garnish with mint leaves and thinly sliced lime peel.
Mint Julep Panna Cotta
These individual panna cottas, served in ramekins, are perfect for your next outdoor party.
Sprinkle 1 package unflavored gelatin over 3 tablespoons cold water. Heat 1 1/2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 2/3 cup mint leaves, 1 1/2 teaspoon bourbon, and 1/8 teaspoon salt on high until just bubbling, stirring, until sugar dissolves.
Remove from heat; strain into clean bowl and stir in gelatin mixture. Divide among 8 lightly greased 4-ounce ramekins. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or up to 1 day. Run pairing knife around sides of cups; invert each onto a small serving plate. Garnish with mint sprigs.
Mint Julep Milkshake
For a kid-friendly treat, simply leave out the bourbon.
Blend 1 cup vanilla ice cream, 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup packed mint leaves, and 1 tablespoon bourbon in blender until smooth. Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with a paper straw.
Note: Use a julep glass instead, if you have one!
Mint Julep Blondies
Get your fill of southern comfort flavors with bourbon, mint, and pecans.
In medium bowl, whisk 1 cup flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 3/4 teaspoon salt. In large bowl, whisk 6 tablespoons melted butter, 1 3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar, 1 tablespoon bourbon, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Stir in 2 lightly beaten eggs. Add flour mixture and 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans and stir until combined.
Spread batter in greased 13-by-9-inch pan lined with parchment paper. Bake in 350 degrees F oven 20 to 25 minutes, or until toothpick comes out almost clean. Let cool 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, melt 1 cup white chocolate chips, 1 1/2 teaspoons canola oil, and 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract in microwave during 20-second intervals, stirring, until smooth. Spread on cooled blondies.
Mint Julep Granita
This semi-frozen dessert is perfect for those warmer spring days.
Microwave 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup water in medium bowl on High 20 seconds; stir until sugar dissolves. Whisk in 3 1/2 cups limeade, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons bourbon, and 1 cup mint leaves; let sit 15 minutes.
Pour into a 13-by-9-inch metal baking dish through a fine-mesh sieve; cover with plastic wrap and freeze at least 4 hours or overnight. Scrape granita into pieces with the back of a spoon. Serve in chilled glasses.
