Drunken Cowboy Beans
Sheamus Feeley, Executive Chef & Partner, Farmstead Restaurant
I only use Rancho Gordo beans in the restaurant, as I feel they are the best dried bean available. I never have to soak them, and they cook fast, with great-tasting pot liquor. Pinquito beans are a classic side to Central Coast barbecue (Santa Maria style) here in California. I call them "Cowboy beans" when I serve them with my whole-hog barbecue. But with a little Maker’s Mark® Bourbon… I think 'drunken cowboy beans' is a better title.
Benton’s Bacon, which you can also order online, just happens to be some of the smokiest bacon in the USA. You can substitute any other bacon, but we highly recommend you get your hands on some Benton’s bacon anyways, especially if you happen to be a connoisseur of America’s favorite cured pork delight.
Prep Time: 1 day beforehand
Cook Time: 2 hours
Level: Intermediate
Makes 8 cups
Maker’s Mark® Glazed
Nantes Carrots with Mint
Chef Sheamus Feeley, Executive Chef & Partner, Farmstead Restaurant
Nantes carrots are one of my favorite vegetables to hit the table. They are sweet, earthy and less fibrous than what we normally see representing carrots. (Like the monster-sized ones that are only good for feeding horses.) You could add a little fresh ginger to this if you want to spice it up a bit, as you can never go wrong with bourbon and ginger. Hint: Generic carrots are fine if you cannot source Nantes carrots.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Level: Easy
Serves 4
Smashed Sweet Potatoes
with Maker’s Mark®, Chestnuts and Sage
Amanda Freitag, Executive Chef and TV Personality
The Maker’s Mark® Bourbon added at the end pairs well with the natural sweetness of the potatoes, and gives them a heady bourbon accent.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Level: Easy.
Serves 6–8
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Classic “Baked Potato”
with Maker's Mark® Braised Bacon
Rick Gresh, Executive Chef, David Burke’s Primehouse at The James Chicago
Chef Rick’s creative interpretation of a classic baked potato is well worth the time it takes to make it. It works equally well as an entrée or side dish and would impress even the pickiest potato lover.
Prep Time: 1 day ahead make bacon
Cook Time: 2 hours
Level: Advanced
Serves 4-8
Maker’s Mark® and Balsamic Roasted Tomatoes
Lee Anne Wong, Chef and Maker’s Mark® Cookbook Editor
These tomatoes are about as easy as it gets when it comes to a simple side dish that is both elegant and rustic at the same time. The balsamic and Maker’s Mark® Bourbon reduce together in the oven to help glaze and flavor the tomatoes and work well with the acidity and natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Level: Easy
Serves 4–6
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