I'll have that with a Mint Julep

Another Kentucky Derby has come and gone. Did you bet on the right horse? I heard the winner had 50-1 odds- not bad! The "Run for the Roses" has some odd traditions, at least they seem odd to someone who has never been to a race, nor been to Kentucky. The hats. Why are the hats most of the women wear so big? Why do folks go to the race, only to spend their time partying in the infield? Is it a "see and be seen thing? And what about the Mint Julep? Admittedly, I'm not a fan of bourbon, but it still sounds like an acquired taste. But, I digress. If one is going to properly celebrate the Derby, one needs to serve to right dish.

Burgoo

• 2 pounds pork shank
• 2 pounds veal shank
• 2 pounds beef shank
• 2 pounds breast of lamb
• 1 4-pound fat hen
• 8 quarts of water
• 3 large potatoes
• 3 large onions
• 3 large carrots
• 2 green peppers
• 2 cups chopped cabbage
• 1 quart cooked tomatoes
• 2 cups canned corn
• 2 pods red pepper
• 1 cup butter beans
• 1 bunch parsley
• 4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• salt and cayenne to taste

Cook meat in boiling water until tender. Remove from liquor. Cool. Remove meat from bones and dice. Pare and dice potatoes, onions and carrots. Remove seeds from green peppers and dice. Combine meat, vegetables, and meat stock. Cook until mixture is thick. Season with salt, cayenne, and Worcestershire sauce. Serves 25

I will admit this sounds pretty good. The mix of meats would give a great flavor. When I saw it being prepared, however, on a show featuring food from the Derby, it seemed to have the look and consistency of Alpo. Maybe next year I'll go out on a limb and give it a try....