LOUISVILLE, (Ky.) – The 23rd annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest kicked off the culinary competitions at the Kentucky State Fair today, showcasing many of the most creative Bourbon dishes in the Commonwealth. Heaven Hill Distilleries, producers of Evan Williams Bourbon, awarded the coveted Blue Ribbon top prize to Kandace Kanzler of Louisville for her Bayou Beans and Andouille Sausage.
A distinguished panel of local judges selected the entrée from over 35 entries this year. Red (second place) and White (third place) ribbons were awarded to Rusty Portman of Louisville for “Tipsy Beef Chowder” and Debbie Flores of Louisville for “Sweet Cajun Shrimp”, respectively.
Judges for the contest included Roberta Cattan, Executive Chef, Atria; Ed Nolan, Executive Chef, Mitchell’s Fish Market; Jason Brauner, Owner, Bourbon’s Bistro; Mike Cunha, Executive Chef, Limestone Restaurant; Barry Bernson, Fox 41 TV News “Fox In the Morning” anchor; James Lindsay, Executive Chef, Kentucky Dam Resort; and Heaven Hill Master Distiller Craig Beam. The event is presented annually by Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
During the judging, contestants and spectators were treated to a cooking with Bourbon demonstration by Chef John Varanese, Owner, Varanese Restaurant. Chef Varanese performed the demonstration using Evan Williams Bourbon, American’s second-largest selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Also on hand to assist Chef Varanese and keep the crowd on its toes was popular morning show host Kelly K., from the “Ben Davis and Kelly K. Show,” heard on 99.7 WDJX Radio.
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the Bardstown, Ky.-based maker of distilled spirits, produces Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – named for the Commonwealth’s first distiller. “We’ve always known here in the Bluegrass that the taste of Bourbon adds an appealing quality to any special entrée. The Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest affords local culinary enthusiasts the opportunity to showcase their creativity with Bourbon each year,” said Max Shapira, president of Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
The recipes were rated on originality, ease of preparation, appearance, name and the contribution of Evan Williams Bourbon to the taste and aroma of the dish. In addition to receiving a coveted Kentucky State Fair prize ribbon and a cash prize, each of the winning entries will be considered for publication in the next “Cooking with Bourbon” recipe booklet, published periodically by Heaven Hill Distilleries.
Founded in 1934, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned marketer and producer of distilled spirits products. Aging in its facilities is the second largest holding of Kentucky whiskey in the world. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio includes: the full line of The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liquer; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodka; Dubonnet Aperitif; Scotch Whiskies; Irish Whiskeys; Canadian Whiskies; vodka; gins; rums; tequilas; cognacs; liqueurs; cordials; and dessert wines. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown, Ky.
23rd Annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest Winning Recipe
August 15, 2008
1 lb of Andouille Sausage Sliced ½ inch rounds ++
2 cups diced onions
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 lb dried northern beans, soaked overnight and drained
10 cups chicken stock, plus more if needed
2 bay leaves
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1/2 cup Bourbon
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Heat a large pot, cook the Andouille Sausage till lightly browned pull out of pan in Crock-Pot. Add the onions and 1 cup chicken stock cook until softened 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and beans and cook for 1 minute. Transfer to Crock-Pot on high, stir in chicken stock and other ingredients. Put top on Crock-Pot and let cook about 2 hours, or until beans are tender, stirring occasionally.
++ Substitution – Smoked Kielbasa Sausage
CONTACT:
Larry Kass
Corporate Communications Director
Heaven Hill Distilleries Inc.
(502) 348-3921
lkass@heaven-hill.com