Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Burgoo and Horses


Ever have one of those evenings where you're surfing channels and you stop upon an obscure program or documentary? And then suddenly you realize you’ve been watching it for the last 30 minutes or more?

Well, that happened to Hubby and me the other night and, silly or weird as it sounds, it was a documentary on the food known as “Burgoo.” Yes, a Kentucky favorite traditionally made of mutton, potatoes and other veggies, burgoo is a tasty stew. In some parts of the country (typically the South), it’s known as Hunter’s Stew, and can include just about any meat, often times chicken or beef. There's even a recipe featured on the well-known Louisville Stoneware burgoo bowl, although I'll refrain from adding wild squirrel.

Burgoo has a huge following in Western Kentucky, especially at many of the Catholic church picnics where it’s the main attraction. Apparently there’s quite the competition among churches for best burgoo, with secret recipes and treasured mixing paddles being passed down from generation to generation. Burgoo is serious stuff in these parts.

And, I learned that there are two ways to pronounce it, depending on what part of the state you’re from…in Western Kentucky, it’s BUR-goo, while in other regions it’s Bur-GOO. I think I fall into the latter pronunciation category.


Personally, my favorite burgoo is made at Keeneland Race Course, although it features stew meat rather than mutton. Still, a very delicious meal. Click here for Keeneland’s Burgoo recipe. When at Keeneland, I have to end my meal with the oh-so-tasty bread pudding. Here’s the recipe – not for those on a diet, but given that I only dine on bread pudding once or twice a year, I’m okay with indulging in some of the finest, most caloric bread pudding around. Boy, am I hungry now.


And, speaking of Keeneland, only 51 more days until the Spring Meet. Can’t wait! Gals, get your sundresses ready and guys, tie your bow ties. It's almot time to bet the ponies in the Bluegrass sunshine!Images from Keeneland Race Course, indianapolisamy.com via Google Images and Taste of Kentucky.

12 comments:

Kerr said...

This post made me hungry and homesick at the same time. I hope I can make it back for the spring meet!

James said...

I think that way down in Alabama it's called Brunswick stew. At least it looks the same and is sometimes called Hunter's stew. My second favorite Southern dish after Gumbo(food of the Gods).

LHD said...

I love Keeneland's burgoo!!!! And I love your countdown till the Sprint meet. Hopefully, we will have nice weather!

highheeledlife said...

Hmm.. that sounds delish (yes minus the squirrel)... I can't wait for the snow to melt and the warm weather to arrive here. I love going for drives and seeing the beautiful horses gracing in our countryside...xo HHL

Home Is Where the Hart Is said...

Are we at Keeneland yet?
Gosh I just can't wait!
And the burgoooooo - yum! And bread pudding too! And hot browns...and most esecially the BLT potato sald they always have on the buffet. MMMMMMmmmmmm. It's my most favorite!!!
My dresses are ready and just itching to be worn! I hope the weather is warm and the horses I bet on are fast!!!

Main Line Sportsman said...

I too am excited for the coming of race season....
And what's the matter w/ squirrel?? Qquite tasty actually...

LPC said...

Now I'm hungry too:).

Beth Dunn said...

That sounds so yummy! And I can't wait for horse season
xoxo
SC

myletterstoemily said...

however you pronounce it, it looks yummy!

nomo wino daph said...

Oh yummy!!!!!! Looks delish...

Hope your week is fab-xo

Natasha in Oz said...

I am going to have find the recipe for this! Autumn is approaching so we heading into stew and soup weather! YAY! Thanks for telling me all about this delicious dish.

Best wishes always,
Natasha.

Henley on the Horn said...

How fun! My hubby just went to Louisville for a bourbon tasting with friends and loved seeing the horses and Churchill Downs. I'll have to find out if he tried burgoo!