Think of the Kentucky Derby and you think of two things; magnificent horses and insanely over-the-top hats. Hey, it’s their thing and I think they put the Brits to shame with some of those chapeaus! When this year’s 138^th Annual Run for the Roses takes place, you also know the parties will be plentiful. I had the opportunity to talk with the woman they call “The Oprah of Entertaining” with deep family roots in Kentucky – Peggy Noe Stevens. Peggy holds the distinction of being one of the first female Master Bourbon Tasters in the world. That wasn’t a course they offered me at Bowling Green State University! Peggy explained what it takes to achieve that level of taster, and how a woman’s palate differs from a man’s. For what might have been long regarded as a man’s world when it came to bourbon, for Peggy working in a distillery made all the difference in breaking down those barriers. Peggy is also the founder of BourbonWomen.org, a site well worth checking out for everything you might ever want to know about the enticing world of bourbon; what it is, what it isn’t and how to properly enjoy it. Face it guys. It’s now a woman’s world when it comes to this spirit. For Peggy, there’s a lot to love about this barrel aged, distilled spirit. 

   Peggy has also just written a book that would be a great gift for anyone just starting out on a job search, or for sprucing up your own skills. “Professional Presence” is described as “a four part guide to building your personal brand.” It’s a great resource for making the best impression, and avoiding those mistakes, no matter how small that could cost you a job, or just plain leave a bad impression. Peggy also shared some of her wisdom on that. But hey, it’s Derby weekend, and what we want to know is who's Peggy’s favorite? Let’s just say she’s careful with that information! She’ll be entertaining her friends, and being entertained all weekend long, and I wish I could be along for the ride. But I’ll be watching with the rest of the world! 

   Enjoy the full interview with Peggy here, and don’t forget that this Sunday is the first Sunday of the month, and that means it’s time for the Hyde Park Fresh Market, the official sponsor of Kelly’s Kitchen. Head down to the fountain between 10 am and 3 pm with the whole family for a lovely start to the day. 

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN 

The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears.  ~Arabian Proverb