THE 144TH Kentucky Derby will be run on May 5—Cinco de Mayo. Paco Garcia and his restaurant, Con Huevos, a 25-seat café that's become one of Louisville's hottest spots, are ideally situated for the collision of celebrations. Garcia, who is from Mexico City and moved to the Louisville area when he was 17, began to incorporate Mexican-Southern fusion into his cooking as he worked his way up from busboy to executive chef. "What I appreciate about Southern cuisine is the richness and textures that it brings," says Garcia, named a James Beard semifinalist this year. "The flavor palate of Mexican cuisine tends to be more complex, with a greater variety of spices. When the two are blended together, they complement each other nicely." Con Huevos will offer a special Derby brunch that will include two offerings that could be a part of your Derby bash.
RECIPES TO SPICE UP YOUR KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY
MINT JULEP PANCAKES
The pancake topping features mint julep bourbon and a fruit garnish.
TOPPING INGREDIENTS
8 oz. cream cheese softened
1 can condensed milk (La Lechera recommended)
¼ cup whole milk
¼ cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp. mint julep bourbon
1 tsp. vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
Beat cream cheese, condensed milk, mint julep bourbon and vanilla at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Slowly add milk, beating until smooth. If desired, microwave on high for 10 to 15 seconds before pouring it on the pancakes.
GUADALAJARA MORNING MIMOSA
The Mexican version of the classic mimosa, with tequila to kick off the day
INGREDIENTS
5 oz. freshly squeezed orange juice
3 oz. champagne
2 oz. tequila
DIRECTIONS
In a tall glass, pour orange juice, tequila and champagne. Garnish with strawberries or orange wedge.
Recipe courtesy of Paco Garcia. For an extended version of this recipe, visitSI.COM/EATS.
