Indulge In {Kentucky Hot Browns}

I've posted a lot this week about my wedding from last weekend. I just can't help it. The whole day was full of sweet personal southern touches that really took the day to the next level including the menu. Both the bride and groom (and the majority of their families) are from Kentucky, so they wanted to include a little bit of home and a Kentucky favorite into their fare. Personally, I had never heard of a hot brown before, but let me tell you, I will never forget it. This Bluegrass State staple is going into my party appetizer rotation immediately. I may even make some for the FSU home opener this weekend. Not only are they delicious, they are simple to make only requiring 6 ingredients. Enjoy them hot or cold, by yourself or with a large crowd. Either way, you can't go wrong. Here's the recipe adapted from Southern Living....

:: Ingredients (Makes 6) ::
3 Sister Shubert Rolls
6 oz Sliced Turkey
3 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese
6 Slices of Roma Tomatoes
3 Slices of Bacon
Mornay Sauce

:: Directions ::
1. Slice Sister Shubert Rolls in half placing face up on a lined baking sheet.
2. Place in over 6" from broiler and broil until slightly golden, 1-2 minutes.
3. Top roll with 1 oz sliced turkey, spoonful of Mornay sauce, 1/2 tablespoon of parmesan cheese and return to broil until cheese is melted and bubbly, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Remove from oven top with 1 slice of Roma tomato and 1/2 slice of bacon. Serve and enjoy!

*Image courtesy of Southern Living

Indulge In {Bourbon Banana Pudding}

Yes, you read that correctly, Bourbon Banana Pudding. Dreaming up wonderfully Southern things last week for the Southern Weddings Magazine burlap challenge, I couldn't get my mind off the ultimate southern treat, banana pudding. Itching to mix it up a bit, I decided to add in my other favorite southern treat, Bourbon. Hey, why not? And holy moly, talk about an indulgence. This banana pudding is creamy, sweet, and just like your momma used to make but with just the right amount of Bourbon burn as it's going down. I made mine with soy milk, but feel free to use your tried and true banana pudding recipe and add a little bourbon. I wish I could invite you all over for a nice big bowl so you didn't have to wait to enjoy it's utter deliciousness, but since that seems a slight bit impossible, here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::

3/4 C packed light brown sugar

3.5 T corn starch

1/4 t salt

3 C vanilla soy milk

4 large egg yolks

3 T unsalted butter

5 T Bourbon

3 medium bananas

Nilla Wafers

:: Directions ::

1. In a medium size sauce pan, whisk together brown sugar, corn starch and salt. On medium heat slowly whisk in your milk.

2. Whisk for 3-5 minutes until warm and slightly thick. 

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks. Once combined, add to pudding mixture on stove and combine.

4. Add in butter and Bourbon while continuing to whisk. 

5. Once thick, remove from heat, pour into a bowl and add in 2 chopped bananas. Refrigerate until cold, approximately 2 hours.

6. Once cold, layer with banana slices in individual serving glasses and garnish with Nilla Wafers.

Enjoy!