Food and beverages can be one of life’s simple pleasures. They can give us a moment’s respite and help us escape, for a brief period, the daily grind that is life. Sometimes we eat certain foods and drink certain beverages because they have a specific meaning to us, perhaps a memory from the past or a family tradition.

For me, the mint julep is one of those beverages – full of tradition, memories and heritage.

I really only drink them once a year, on Derby Day. I realize, in northeast Ohio, Derby Day may need further explanation. It is always the first Saturday in May, the day the Kentucky Derby is held. This year, that is May 6. The race is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., and typically runs around 6:30 pm. It is the big one as far as horse races go. It caps a two-week derby festival that begins with one of the largest fireworks shows in the nation on Saturday, April 22. It is the place to be on that given day.

For me, this race is steeped in family tradition and memories. My father was born and raised in Louisville, not too far from Churchill Downs. He graduated for the University of Louisville and worked part-time at the track during college.

Every year as a child, we had a small family and friends derby party – and my dad always made mint juleps. This was a classic, once-a-year tradition, one that I cherish. We used the official derby glasses my mom kept in a special place. We had four from each year going back many years.

My father always had his own version of the mint julep. His involved stuffing mint from our garden into the Kentucky bourbon bottle a few days before the race and letting the bourbon absorb the mint flavors.

We lost my father to a long battle with leukemia as I turned 18, just a month after his final Derby Day. So for me, once I turned 21, I began to carry on the tradition of Derby Day no matter where I was in the world. I have hosted a derby party and made Mint Juleps almost every year since finishing college.

Here is the Mint Julep recipe that I use:

First, you need a great Kentucky bourbon. For me, that is Double-Oaked Woodford Reserve. You also need fresh mint (spearmint) and you need to make, or buy, simple syrup. You will need derby glasses, or just any good tall glass, and definitely crushed ice; do not use cubes. You can add mint leaves to the bourbon the day before if you want, but not really necessary.

Simple syrup is made by just combining equal parts sugar and water, bringing them to a boil and stirring until all the sugar is dissolved in the water. Do this the day before, put in a fancy pitcher and put it into the fridge so it is cold at go time.

Prepare the glasses the day before if possible, too. I rim my glasses in real lemon juice, then in powdered sugar. I place them all in the freezer overnight.

To make the Mint Juleps, take your chilled powder-sugar-rimmed glasses and fill them crushed ice. Then, with 2 oz. of simple syrup, 2 oz. Kentucky bourbon and stir with long spoon. Then, put in a nice long stalk of mint that will just touch your nose as you sip the drink.

Here’s to you, Dad!

Grilling classes
Barbecue season is upon us!

As we clean up our grilling areas, many of us are thinking about new grills. Here is an opportunity to see some grills and get some free grilling advice from an expert.

Chef Jeff West – who graduated from culinary school in 1983 and worked as an executive chef for various restaurants and also chef on a private yacht – will be conducting grilling classes at DeckCreator’s showroom starting May 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There will also be classes on June 3 and Aug. 12.

DeckCreator and Chef West are also partnering up to offer private, in-home grilling classes with a purchase of a Primo Grill. This is your chance to learn to bake, grill and smoke like the professionals at an affordable cost.

More info can be found at www.deckcreator.com/events, or at the store, 12235 York Road, North Royalton.