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Kentucky Food

Southern food is the best food in the world and nobody does it quite like Kentucky. On the following pages, you'll find Kentucky recipes, Kentucky food and drinks, and Kentucky food reviews. For restaurants and reviews, please see Kentucky Restaurants.

Ale-8-One Has Brought Back a Favorite Drink This Summer: Orange Cream Ale-8-One

July 17, 2021 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Ale-8-One Orange Cream Soda
Ale-8-One Orange Cream Soft Drink

If you’re a Kentuckian, you know all too well how delicious Ale-8-One soft drinks are. While the original is the “go to” drink for a lot of Kentuckians, the Cherry Zero is my personal obsession. OBSESSION. It’s unbelievably delicious.

The iconic Kentucky soda is bringing back the summer fan favorite, Orange Cream Ale-8-One, while supplies last. This popular seasonal addition to the current Ale-8-One family
of products delivers a dreamsicle inspired flavor that evokes a sweet sense of nostalgia, just in time to kick off the brand’s 95-year anniversary this summer! Orange Cream Ale-8-One made its debut on June 8th in the Bluegrass region along with expanded footprints in, Louisville, Cincinnati, Pikeville, and most of Western Kentucky in Kroger, Walmart, and Meijer retailers.

I found this particular box of smooth deliciousness at one of the Kroger stores here in Owensboro. It was on a display near the meat and deli, so when you’re looking for this iconic seasonal drink,  be sure to tour your store. They get creative with product placement sometimes.

Continued Below….

Ale-8-One Orange Cream Soda

Ale-8-One Orange Cream Soda

“The tremendous positive response from our first two summer launches of Orange Cream Ale-8-One has been overwhelming. We are delighted to be able to return this summertime classic to the shelves this year. Consumers had plenty of time last summer to experiment with recipes at home; we are excited for them to share their float and cocktail creations with friends this time around.” –  Chris Doyle, Marketing Director for Ale8-One

Orange Cream Ale-8-One will be available as a limited edition 4-pack. The small batch seasonal soda is crafted with an all-natural orange and vanilla blend combined with the Ale-8-One secret formula.

About Ale-8-One

Ale-8-One Bottling Company was founded in 1902 by G.L. Wainscott in Winchester, Kentucky, and remains the oldest, privately held bottler in the United States still owned and operated by the founding family. Ale-8-One soft drink has been bottled in green glass in Winchester since 1926. The only soft drink invented in Kentucky still in existence, Ale-8’s proprietary blend is flavored with ginger and citrus and contains less carbonation and fewer calories than conventional sodas. The company’s founder and inventor, G.L. Wainscott, developed the recipe, and to this day, his great-great-nephew, Fielding Rogers, personally blends every batch of Ale-8-One. Ale-8-One is widely available in Kentucky, available nationwide online, available in Kroger stores throughout
the Southeast, and can be found at most Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores and Fresh Market. For more information, visit ale8one.com and follow on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Ale-8-One Orange Cream Soda

Ale-8-One Orange Cream Soft Drink

Filed Under: Facts About Kentucky, Kentucky Food, News, Summertime in Kentucky Tagged With: Ale-8-One, Made in Kentucky

10 Christmas Gift Ideas at The Hitching Post in Aurora, Kentucky

September 11, 2017 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

RC Cola and Moon Pies
I have a confession to make. I think about Christmas year round. In fact, before Christmas day is over, I’m already thinking about what I want to bake, cook, and buy for the next Christmas. Mind you, I’m not saying I’m normal (that’s something I’d never even think about saying) – it just is what it is.

Since we have a large family, it’s actually a good thing that I have Christmas on the brain every day of the year. After all, if I waited until November and December to do all of my Christmas shopping, I’d never make it.

Neither would our bank account.

Right after Christmas, I begin buying Christmas gifts and hiding them away. You know how people are always saying they wish the Christmas Spirit could last all year long?  I’m here to tell you, it CAN.

On a recent trip to Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes, we (as we always do) stopped by The Hitching Post in Aurora. We always take the opportunity to browse around and stock up on jams, Kentucky food, homemade fudge, and bottles of vintage soda pop.

I kept seeing perfect Christmas gifts for my husband, our daughters & sons-in-law, and grandbaby (our first… he’s due in January!). Literally everywhere I turned I saw something that “so and so” just “has to have” and things that “such and such” would “absolutely flip sideways for.”

That’s when the idea for this post came about. I figured if my such and suchs and so and sos would flip sideways, yours will too. Below are just some of the gift ideas I spied on this trip. Trust me, we’ll be going back again soon and I’ll find more.

In other words, there’ll be future posts just like this one…. Christmas on the brain, you know.

The first gift idea of the 10 is the RC and Moon Pies gift set at the top. The “Redneck Six Pack” has 2 RC Colas and 4 Moon Pies. This would, obviously, be a perfect idea for anyone, whether their neck is red or not.  I mean, everyone loves delicious RC and Moon Pies.

Gift ideas number 2-10 are below.

Gift Idea for Teachers

Christmas Gift Idea for Teachers, Principals & Childcare Workers

The adorable Colored Pencil Frame (above) would be ideal for teachers, principals, or anyone who works with children for that matter.

It’s even cuter in person – very well made and affordable.

Grandparent's Sign at the Hitching Post

Gift Idea for Grandparents

As I said, above, we are expecting our first grandbaby in January and we couldn’t be more excited. I cannot wait to get my hands on him and spoil him like any self-respecting grandmother should! The sign, above, would make a wonderful (and downright honest) gift for any grandparent.

 

Gift Idea for Pet Lovers

Gift Idea for Pet Lovers

Whether the pet lovers in your life are owned by cats (like me) or are owned by dogs, the pet lovers sign, above, would make them nod in agreement and maybe even give a few, “AMEN”s – I know I did when I read it.

Happiness is a Kentucky State of Mind

Gift Idea for Proud Kentuckians

Okay, this one probably applies to all of us. This beautiful “Happiness is a State of Mind” (with our beloved Kentucky in the middle) sign would make a wonderful gift for all Kentuckians. Whether they are still blessed to live here in the Bluegrass OR they’re Kentuckians who now have to call somewhere else “home.” Then again, even when we Kentuckians have to live in another state, only one comes to mind when we hear the word “home.” When we temporarily lived in Florida, whenever I’d hear the word “home” – I didn’t think of the beaches, dolphins, and pelicans, I thought of the hills, horses, and cardinals.

There really is NO place like home.

Gift Ideas for Kentucky Fishermen and Women

Gift Ideas for Fishermen and Women

The picture above is just a fraction of the great gift ideas for people who love fishing (or hunting, for that matter). There are countless books, trinkets, signs, and fun gifts for people who spend a lot of time fishing and even more time thinking about fishing.

 

Elmwood Inn Tea

Elmwood Inn Fine Teas for Tea Lovers

A few Christmases ago, my husband gave me a glorious gift basket that included a container of Elmwood Inn Fine Tea bags (like the ones pictured above). I’ve been obsessed with this beautiful tea since. People who aren’t tea lovers (what do you people even drink??) might not believe it, but there is a HUGE difference in different teas. You can taste the quality in really special tea and Elmwood Inn Fine Teas is a perfect, perfect, perfect example. A container or two of this wonderful tea in a bag with a lovely teacup would be a gift any tea drinker would love.

If that wasn’t a sufficient enough hint for my family, I’m losing my touch.

Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt

Gift Ideas for Cooks

It takes a cook to know what cooks want… what they really, really want… so you’re in good hands with me. I cook, therefore I am. Does that sum it up enough? I am as passionate about cooking as Garfield the cat is about napping and I always find SO many wonderful foods, spices, seasonings at The Hitching Post as well as the Old Country Store right beside it. Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt and Pepper are absolutely delicious on and in just about anything.  The flavor and aroma is out of this world and I know they also make Bourbon Smoked Sugar but honestly can’t remember if I saw it at The Hitching Post or not.

Another favorite that I have trouble living without is something called Taste Elevated Sweet and Tangy Mustard Seeds (badly pictured below… my old phone sucked at taking pictures). I cannot even tell you how delicious it is. Why I’ve never taken a better picture of it is beyond me, but it is phenomenal – we love it on hamburgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, in egg salad sandwiches, on deviled eggs, on crackers…. one of the best ways to enjoy it, however, is with pretzels. This delicious spread/dip is one of those things you have to try to believe how delicious it is.

It’d make a great gift idea for any foodie or cook, but be sure to grab yourself a jar while you’re at it.

Trust me.

 

Taste Elevated Sweet and Tangy Mustard Seeds

The Hitching Post also has a lot of Christmas ornaments and decorations throughout the store as well. I’d imagine that they’ll even have more as we get closer to Christmas. I mean, even I realize it’s still a few months away.

Journals

Writers, Students, Note-Takers, and Planners

The adorable journals pictured above are extra, extra special. I wanted just about every single one – except for the retirement journal… I mean, retire from what? You could find a perfect journal for just about anyone on your list. Seriously, these are super cute.

Funny Sign at the Hitching Post

Gift Ideas for People Who Love to Laugh!

Last… but far from least… you’ll find endless gifts for people who love to laugh. If you ask me, it’s downright dangerous to take life too seriously and the people at The Hitching Post seem to really get that. I mean they seem to really, really, really get that!

The sign above and the “Mug Shots” below are just a few of the hilarious gift ideas. You will, literally, find yourself surrounded with hundreds of great gift ideas.

Mug Shots

Until the next 10, I have supper to cook and Christmas to think about…

~ Joi (“Joy”)

P.S. Did I mention we’re expecting a grandbaby???

 

Filed Under: 2017 Christmas Gift Guide, Christmas in Kentucky, Kentucky Food, Kentucky Lake, The Hitching Post Tagged With: Christmas Gift Ideas, Christmas in Kentucky, Hitching Post Aurora

Land Between the Lakes Red Raspberry Jam

July 12, 2017 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Land Between the Lakes Raspberry Jam
A while back, I wrote about the Land Between the Lakes Raspberry Jalapeno Jam (it is so good, you don’t even know). Like the jam I’m here to crow about today, I got it in the gift shop at The Homeplace in the LBL.

This past weekend, we took a trip to The Homeplace (it was as wonderful as always!) and, before leaving, I did what I always do…. I hit the gift shop and hit it hard. I intended on getting another jar of the Raspberry Jalapeno Jam – in addition to trying another flavor. Unfortunately, I didn’t see a jar of the Raspberry Jalapeno Jam, but I did spy this beauty – Red Raspberry Jam. Raspberries are one of my favorite things in life, so I snatched this jar up before it knew what hit it.

Before I start telling you about how delicious this jam is, I have to say how much I appreciate the completely reasonable price. Less than $4! I don’t have to tell you how it is in most gift shops, souvenir shops, and antique shops. They mark things up about as high as they conceivably can. Seems to me that it’s much cooler to make things affordable for your guests and visitors – allowing them to buy several things instead of popping on just one overpriced item.

I love that The Homeplace has these jams marked so well within reason – for one thing, I love a bargain… but most of all, the fact that they’re inexpensive means I can buy several different flavors instead of trying to decide on one!

I made cornbread to use for our first dive into this beautiful and delicious jam and it was a knock-out. A TOTAL knock-out. It was every bit as good as the Raspberry Jalapeno Jam and I will look for it as well on each trip to The Homeplace.

Shopping List for Our Next Visit:

  • Land Between the Lakes Raspberry Jalapeno Jam
  • Land Between the Lakes Red Raspberry Jam
  • The Next Lovely to Catch My Eye!

The next time you visit The Homeplace, be sure to visit their wonderful gift shop before you leave. Find the shelves of these jams and – whatever you do! – grab a jar of the Red Raspberry AND the Raspberry Jalapeno jams.

They are both out of this world.

Land Between the Lakes Raspberry Jam

Filed Under: Kentucky Food, The Homeplace Tagged With: Kentucky food, Land Between the Lakes Jam

Kentkucky Proud: Windstone Farms Blackberry Jam

May 25, 2017 by Joi Sigers 4 Comments

Windstone Farms Blackberry Jam

Windstone Farms Blackberry Jam – Kentucky Proud

I have a confession to make. I’m borderline obsessed with buying “Kentucky Proud” products… and when I say “borderline,” I basically mean “There is no line. I am obsessed.”  I’m all about buying as local as possible for several reasons. The concept of supporting your neighbors just makes great sense to me. When those in our community (state, even) do well, we benefit. So whenever possible, I love to eat at locally-owned restaurants and I love to buy food, decor, coffee, tea, etc. that was made right here in Kentucky.

Which reminds me, I have a couple of delicious Kentucky brewed coffees to tell you about in the coming days.

Another reason I’m obsessed with buying Kentucky products is they’re almost always better than anything else!

Case in point – jams, jellies, and preserves. I honestly cannot remember the last time I brought a national brand. It doesn’t make sense to settle for less than best when there are delicious options like Two Sisters Jams, Jellies, and Preserves, Land Between the Lakes Raspberry Jalapeno Jam, and Windstone Farms…. all made right here in Kentucky.

While the other brands have been household staples for quite a while, I only recently found Windstone Farms jams. I actually ran out of my stash of Kentucky jams and preserves (seems I dropped the ball) and was desperate for some blackberry jam to go on toast with a “breakfast supper” I had planned. Naturally, my first option was to look for a Kentucky made blackberry jam and I was thrilled to see jars of Windstone Farms Blackberry Jam on the shelf at Kroger.  They weren’t even on the Kentucky Proud kiosk, they were in the jam and jelly aisle.

{Continued Below…}

Windstone Farms Blackberry Jam

I just have to say that I love it when I can find Kentucky Proud products in my local stores. I don’t mind ordering online and we normally stock up when we’re at the Hitching Post or Kentucky State Parks (GREAT sources for Kentucky Proud products) – but when I can find my beloved local delicacies at my favorite grocery store, it just floats my boat.

The jam was outstanding – the blackberry flavor tasted like someone had just picked fresh blackberries and made the jam right in front of you. I bought blackberry jam because it’s my husband’s favorite (awwww) but I CANNOT wait to find their strawberry jam. Strawberry, Raspberry, and Plum are my faves… although, after having Windstone Farms’ blackberry jam, I’m going to have to add it to the list of favorites too.

{Continued Below…}

Windstone Farms Blackberry Jam

This Jam Will Make Delicious Thumbprint Cookies

I can’t wait to use this particular jam for thumbprint cookies. This one is “seedless” which is perfect for baking.

You can read more about Windstone Farms on their website and be sure to look for the jams on your grocer’s shelves.  I’ll come right back here and let you know about the Strawberry jam as soon as I find it!

When the jam is this good, there’s only one thing to do… SLATHER it on!  The proof is in the picture….

Blackberry Jam on Toast

Filed Under: Kentucky Food Tagged With: jams made in Kentucky, Kentucky food, Kentucky Proud

Antique and “All Things Vintage” Collectors: You’ll Find Heaven on Earth in Aurora

May 19, 2017 by Joi Sigers Leave a Comment

Americana at the Hitching Post and Old Country Store
Americana at The Hitching Post and Old Country Store!
It’s no secret that we love the Hitching Post & Old Country Store in Aurora. They’ve been in the “Playing Favorites” spotlight on the Kentucky Events Page for months. I set it up to be a one month spotlight but, what can I say, time got away from me… to the tune of about 8 months!

One of the uncommonly cool things about this Gift Shop/Antique Store/Legendary Kentucky Lake “Museum of Fun” is the fact that you see something different each time you go. As you’d expect, we go frequently – many times throughout the year – yet, there are still new Kentucky food products, fudge flavors (YUM!), toys, gifts, mementos, etc each time we’re there.

Classic Candy at the Old Country Store in Aurora
Classic Candy at the Old Country Store in Aurora
If you collect antiques and love anything and everything vintage, you’ll want to move into the Old Country Store. The new owners have put SO much work, time, money, and effort into renovating this wonderful old country store into what is very much like a vintage museum – except you can buy the exhibits!

The classic candy is one of my favorite sections…. remember Astro Pops? You can buy a couple and show your kids what all the fuss was about. The last time we were in there, I got a kick out of listening to a grandfather tell his granddaughters all about the games, candy, books, and toys. They were fascinated with the candy cigarettes. Remember those? I could tell by the look on his face, he was a kid again… and THAT is what makes this place a kind of Heaven on earth – because when it comes to traveling, no trip can compare with the one you take back in time.

I noticed that the grandfather was buying a few things and I thought, “Smart man. Take that kid feeling home with you!”

Classic Candy, Toys, Books, and Games

Continued Below…

Classic Candy at the Old Country Store in Aurora
Classic Candy at the Old Country Store in Aurora
Classic Candy at the Old Country Store in Aurora
Classic Candy at the Old Country Store in Aurora
Classic Candy at the Old Country Store in Aurora
Astro Pops at The Old Country Store
Classic Candy Cigarettes
Classic Candy and Candy Cigarettes
Vintage Toys Games and Books at the Old Country Store
Vintage Toys Games and Books at the Old Country Store

Click each picture for a closer look.

There are also countless other vintage and antique collectibles – pretty much any category you can think of is covered. The vintage collectibles I collect are kitchen gadgets, dishes, historical books, and cookbooks – So I am WILD about these sections.

There are also vintage sewing accessories and gadgets.

Continued Below….

Vintage and Antique Collectors will LOVE the Old Country Store!
Antiques and Collectibles at the Old Country Store
Antiques and Collectibles at the Old Country Store
Vintage Toys Games and Books at the Old Country Store
The Hitching Post in Aurora
Vintage and Antique Collectibles
Vintage and Antique Collectibles
Vintage Dishes and Kitchen Collectibles at the Old Country Store
The Old Country Store Aurora

Click each picture for a closer look.

Everything is set up beautifully – you can tell a great deal of time and effort goes into every single display.

Another great thing about The Hitching Post and Old Country Store is the fact that it’s a wonderful place to find Kentucky Food and Kentucky made products. LOVE that!

Kentucky Food at the Old Country Store

Kentucky Food at The Hitching Post and Old Country Store

I hope you’ll go as soon as you possibly can and go through both the Hitching Post and the Old Country Store very slowly. Trust me, you do not want to miss a thing.

Vintage and Antique Collectors will LOVE the Old Country Store!

Filed Under: Aurora, Kentucky Food, Kentucky Lake, The Hitching Post Tagged With: Antiques in Kentucky, Old Country Store, The Hitching Post

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"When reading about a Kentucky event, please be sure you check the date. Old events are not always deleted from the website. If you have an event you'd like to see on Genuine Kentucky or a 'Made in Kentucky' food or product you'd like reviewed, please contact us! " ~ Joi ("Joy")

Flowering Tree in Bowling Green
Fraley Music Festival
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Kentucky News and Events

  • Enjoying all Kentucky Has to Offer in Cold and Flu Season…
  • Throwback to 2014 and the Kentucky Ice Storm… Even Then, There was Beauty
  • The Pond at Kentucky Lake: Always a Relaxing and Wonderful Place to Dine
  • Genuine Kentucky… Recovering from a Whirlwind of Changes!
  • Hot Dog Days of Summer at the Kentucky Legend Cafe in Owensboro (Located in the Convention Center)
  • Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory: Activities for Astronomy Day (May 7, 2022)
  • Kentucky Legend Café: Delicious Place to Enjoy Lunch in Owensboro, Kentucky
  • A Sensational Spring Break at Woodlands Nature Station in the Land Between the Lakes April 2-10, 2022

Kentucky State Parks

We have a special passion for Kentucky State Parks, so you'll find many articles and reviews centered around the beautiful state parks in Kentucky.

A personal goal is to visit, photograph, and enjoy each and every one of our state parks and eat at each of the state resort parks. Make no mistake about it, we're well on our way!

Bird Watching in Kentucky!

One of our greatest passions is birds and bird watching is an absolute favorite pastime. If you love our feathered friends and want to learn more about bird watching and attracting birds to your own backyard, be sure to check out our section dedicated entirely to Kentucky birds.

Kentucky Restaurants and Reviews

Kentucky Restaurant Reviews

Where are the best Kentucky restaurants?! Find out in our Kentucky Restaurant Reviews.

Also See: Best Fried Catfish in Kentucky
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Kentucky Events

The pandemic has crushed many activities, events, and normalcy – not just in Kentucky, but all around the world. As we creep back toward normal, I want desperately to highlight any and all events going on around Kentucky. Please E-mail me any information you’d like shared about your Kentucky event! ~ Joi (“Joy”)

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