Peep Vodka = Bad Idea

For some reason, Peep vodka seemed like a good idea.

It wasn't.

We can't be held completely to blame for not realizing, as we were mislead by this article.  The article doesn't really say that Peep vodka is awesome but it makes it sound fun and springy and happy.

Initially, we were excited about the process:

The peep jars were kinda cute, kinda creepy.... Peter Cottontail meets Nightmare Before Christmas.

After a few days, most of the color (and some of the peep eye spots) had dissolved.  The peeps themselves molded together into a squishy, jiggly mess.

Unfortunately, the peep goo was the best-tasting result of this experiment.  Somehow, the addition of color, sugar and marshmallow flavoring actually made the semi-cheap vodka that we started with taste even worse.  It made us feel like this:

Derby!

Now, you might think that the Kentucky Derby is an event celebrated only by those in the South, those interested in horses or gambling, or those with TVs who can actually watch the event. But you would be wrong! Derby Day can and should be celebrated by anyone with a love of goofy hats or delicious minty cocktails.

To the left you will see an example of an acceptable hat for Derby Day celebrations.

Now, when Pirogi and I do celebrations, we generally have to go all out--make a day of it. We also needed to clean out my fridge, which had an inordinate amount of meat in it. Normally, I buy/eat meat once or twice a week. In my fridge, I had chicken, kielbasa, steak, and bacon. The bacon and steak were both from farms near where Pirogi's parents live and pretty delicious.

So, Derby Day began with a proper breakfast.

French toast with strawberries, bacon, pineapple, coffee. I have never succeeded at making french toast before, so this was super exciting.

Dinner was barbecue chicken,
asparagus, onion, and biscuits. But, of course, the highlight of the evening, the entire reason for Derby Day (besides the horses, I suppose) was the mint juleps.

First step: minty syrup (my job)
1 cup white sugar
1 cup water
1/4 cup chopped mint

Boil until sugar is completely dissolved, then remove from heat and let steep for 1 hour. Strain and cool.

Second step (Pirogi's job)
bourbon
mint syrup
Mix and serve over crushed ice with mint sprig garnish.