Becky's Birthday party

Désirée Joséphine Duplantier and the birthday girl Becky! 

Last week Désirée Joséphine Duplantier attended a wonderful birthday party of a good friend Becky. I have known Becky for over 11 years. I first met her and her husband Bob right before Hurricane Katrina as they were renting a lovely 1820's Creole house from another good friend Peter. We have kelp in touch all this time. After Hurricane Katrina when I moved to Baltimore, Bob and Becky would let me stay in the French Quarter weekend place. On one of these visits Becky made me one of my favorate Southern desserts. Blackberry cobbler! I still have the photo of it. I was out all day and when I returned a warm homemade cobbler was waiting for me on a marble nightstand. I will never forget this. The birthday party was fabulous. Upon arrival  Désirée Joséphine Duplantier was handed a 1850's coin silver mint juip cup with a wonderful cocktail inside! It was nice to see old Friends and make new ones. A good time was had by all. 

A surprise homemade blackberry cobbler left on my night stand. I friend actually made this for me.

Désirée Joséphine Duplantier getting ready for the party 

Wonderful 19th century Old Paris porcelain cornflower pattern dinner plates! 

Wonderful 19th century Old Paris porcelain wedding band & cornflower pattern dinner plates! 

Baked vegetables 

Pork roast stuffed with garlic and peppers. 

o'dourves

o'dourves on a Old Paris porcelain platter. 

19th century cut glass. 

Désirée Joséphine Duplantier

Désirée Joséphine Duplantier

Désirée Joséphine Duplantier

The birthday girl. 

The Birthday cake. 

The birthday party! 

Désirée Joséphine Duplantier cake and 1850's coin silver mint julip cup 

The famous Poppy Tooker, culinary activist cutting the cake. 

Birthday wishes! 

Désirée Joséphine Duplantier and the birthday girl Becky! 

Mint Juleps @ le château de Hopkins.

Mint Juleps @ le château de Hopkins. As I say farewell to my French friend David. I made him a Mint Julep a traditional Southern favorite.

Four-ingredient Classic Mint Juleps are a traditional Southern favorite.

Classic Mint Julep

Kentucky Derby is celebrated the first Saturday in May with visitors from around the world gathering at the race track and all over Louisville. As "My Old Kentucky Home" plays before the race, julep cups are raised high, bringing tears to many eyes. To Kentuckians, a mint julep is more than a drink; it's a cup of emotion, full of tradition.

The classic version is served in silver julep cups. These are filled to the rim with a refreshing concoction of the finest bourbon, simple syrup, fresh mint, and crushed ice. This drink is best made individually "to taste" using only the freshest ingredients. While Kentucky Colonel mint is commonly used, other varieties work well too. The ingredients remain constant, but opinions are as varied as the colors of jockeys' silks as to the proper way to make them. Many crush the mint and sugar together (referred to as muddling), while others insist that the mint should be smelled not tasted.

Always pre-chill julep cups or glass tumblers before filling with crushed ice. This prevents the ice from melting too quickly. "Wrap ice cubes in a thick towel or cloth bag, and hammer away until you have small chunks,".

Before tasting, insert a cocktail straw or coffee stirrer near the mint sprig. Inhale a deep breath, and slowly sip until someone says, "May I fix you another mint julep?"