3 Mother’s Day Dishes with a Spirited Twist

As Mother’s Day approaches, the air is filled with the feelings of appreciation and love to the extraordinary women who have shaped our lives. It’s a day where handmade cards reign supreme, and where hugs and kisses flow freely like a river of warmth. One timeless gesture is to prepare a special dish, crafted with care and affection, to honor the bond shared with Mom. Whether it’s her favorite comfort food or a culinary creation crafted with love, the act of cooking for her embodies a heartfelt sentiment and admiration we hold for the maternal figures who have nurtured and supported us through every twist and turn of life’s journey. In this week’s Whiskey Wednesday, I offer up to you three bourbon inspired and easy to make dishes that you can prepare for that special lady in your life.

Makers Mark BBQ Meatballs

Surprising Mom with these bourbon BBQ meatballs is sure to delight her taste buds and warm her heart with your thoughtful gesture.  Serve them piping hot as a delicious appetizer or as a main course alongside Mom’s favorite sides for a memorable and indulgent meal that showcases your love and culinary creativity.

Ingredients

• • 1/4 cup Makers Mark Bourbon (or use any bourbon that you enjoy drinking)
  • 3/4 cup chili sauce
  • 1/2 cup apricot preserves
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (Use your Favorite)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black Pepper
  • 1 bag of frozen meatballs
  • thinly sliced green onion for garnish

Instructions

• Put your bourbon, chili sauce, apricot preserves, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, garlic powder into a slow cooker.
• Add 1 large pinch of salt and pepper. 
• Add your frozen meatballs to the slow cooker.
• Stir until meatballs are coated in the sauce.
• Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or until meatballs are heated through.
• Garnish with sliced green onions. 
• ENJOY!!!

Knob Creek Asian Chicken

Crafting an Asian-inspired bourbon chicken dinner for Mother’s Day is a delightful way to treat Mom to a flavorful and memorable meal. Whip up a batch of steamed rice or try your hand at homemade fried rice, studded with eggs, green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flair. To add a special touch to the meal, consider serving a side of mom’s favorite vegetables. Garnish the chicken with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving. Now sit back and watch Mom’s face light up with delight as she indulges in this delicious and thoughtful dinner made with love.

Ingredients

• • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts 
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup Knob Creek Bourbon (or any bourbon that you enjoy drinking
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water

• Sliced green onions

• Black and white sesame seeds

Instructions

• Cut your chicken into 1-inch pieces.
• Mince your garlic.
• Grate your ginger.
• Add your salt and pepper to your chicken pieces.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. 
• Add your  chicken
• Sear until browned on both sides (Your chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point; it will continue cooking.)
• In a bowl, combine your bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic and ginger 
• Whisk until combined and your brown sugar has been dissolved.
• Add the sauce to the pan and bring to a simmer.
• Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
• In a bowl, combine the cornstarch and water. 
• Add the mixture to the pan and cook until the sauce has thickened slightly.
• Garnish with your green onions, sesame seeds and more sauce from your pan.
• Serve with white rice and vegetables of your choice.

Buffalo Trace Chocolate Chip Pacan Pie

This Mother’s Day, surprise Mom with a homemade chocolate chip pecan pie, a decadent fusion of sweet Buffalo Trace bourbon, rich chocolate and buttery pecans nestled in a flaky crust. When finished, slice into generous portions and serve with love, perhaps accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This bourbon chocolate chip pecan pie is a heartfelt gesture that will surely make Mom’s day extra special.

Ingredients

• 1 – 9-inch deep-dish refrigerated pie crust
• 3 eggs
• 3/4 cup corn syrup
• 1/4 cup melted butter.
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed firm
• 1/4 cup Buffalo Trace Bourbon
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans.
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips 

Instructions

• Crack your eggs and add them to a bowl.
• Whisk eggs lightly.
• Add your corn syrup, butter, brown sugar, bourbon, flour, vanilla, and salt. 
• Mix until well blended. 
• Add chopped pecans and chocolate chips to the mix.
• Mix until well combined. 
• Pour into pie your crust. 
• Bake at 325 degrees for 55 minutes. 
• Let cool. 
• ENJOY!!!

Preparing food for Mother’s Day is more than just cooking. It’s truly a labor of love. A way to express gratitude for all the nurturing and care that our mothers gave us. Whether it’s crafting a lavish brunch, baking a decadent dessert, or whipping up a homemade dinner, the effort and thoughtfulness put into each dish speak volumes. This Mother’s Day, let the food you prepare reflect your appreciation and affection, making the day as special and memorable as she is.

LET’S START A CONVERSATION!

What do you think about these dishes? Do you have a favorite? What do you plan on doing for mom for mothers day? I would love to know your thoughts, so comment below. You know I love conversation and will reply to you. As always, I want to thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Until the next Whiskey Wednesday, if you’re going to enjoy a little smoke & oak, just remember, “Life’s too short, enjoy the good stuff…” and do it responsibly!