How bourbon began in the United States actually happened by a series of happy accidents. To be considered bourbon, the whiskey is made with a mash that consists of at least 51% corn and is aged in a charred white oak barrel.
Predominately produced in Kentucky, it’s the main liquor in an Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Mint Julep. Bourbon is also fantastic to cook and bake with. It adds a sweet and smoky flavor to the dish. Here are 12 Blue Ribbon recipes featuring bourbon that will make you run to the liquor store to pick up a bottle.
Apple Pie Pancakes w/ Caramel Bourbon Glaze
"These little gems taste like an apple pie, but in pancake form. Don't let the bourbon scare you. It's not overpowering in the sauce." - Janet
Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie
"Very similar to the Nestle Toll House Pie but with the addition of vanilla and bourbon." - goirish86
Orange French Toast with Pecan Sauce
"If you are really in the mood to completely blow your diet (as I was last weekend), this is the way to do it! Bright, citrus flavors mixed with caramel and bourbon." - Woodrow
Pecan Pie Balls
"The yummiest part of a pecan pie with a little kick!" - CamilleKaye
French Onion Soup
"I've used a bit of Kentucky bourbon to deglaze the pan and get all that rich flavor from the bottom of the pot." - MizWasy
Ultimate Maple-Bacon Bourbon Cream Sandwich Cookies
"One of my all-time favorite cookies is the maple cream sandwich, and my idea of an ultimate flavor combination would have to include maple, bacon, bourbon, and brown sugar. I decided to throw caution to the wind and meld all these ingredients together into the most amazing cookies I have ever tasted." - lkatz
Balsamic & Bourbon Filet Mignon
"My husband said this is better than any restaurant steak he's had. Doesn't get any better than that!" - Kinepeli
Drunken Blueberry Peach Cheesecake Tart
"Blueberries, peaches, cheesecake on a nut crust, and bourbon... What could go wrong with that combination..." - ThePretentiousChef
Bourbon Cream Pie
"My son in law was the inspiration for this pie, he enjoys a good bourbon on occasion and I wanted to figure out a special recipe for him. Just use a good bourbon, something smooth and flavorful." - GrannyGrumpsTable
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Cookies
"We are three sisters or Southern belles as we like to refer to ourselves from the Northwest who secretly pine for the South. Armed with our chocolate chip cookie recipe we decided to give it a complete Southern makeover and the Chocolate Bourbon Cookie was born." - mamasmixinbowl
New Orleans Bread Pudding
"This bread pudding is perfectly light and fluffy while still remaining warm and hearty. The bourbon sauce is just right - far from overpowering - so don't be deterred!" - Janet