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.