The Silver Dollar was named one of the top 10 whiskey bars in America.

WHAS11’s Michelle Arnold was at the Silver Dollar Friday and they shared some of their secrets with her.

Click the video player above to see more from Michelle.

Grilled Red Potato Salad with Watercress and Blue Cheese Vinaigrette
Recipe by Blue Ribbon Cooking School
www.BlueRibbonCooking.com

Makes 4 to 6 servings

• ¼ cup sherry wine vinegar
• 1 large shallot, chopped
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• ½ cup olive oil
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
• 12 medium red-skinned potatoes, unpeeled (about 2 3/4 pounds)
• Additional olive oil for brushing potatoes
• 2 bunches delicate watercress, stems trimmed or 1 bunch hearty watercress, chopped
• 3 green onions, chopped

1. Combine vinegar, shallot, and mustard in medium bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Stir in blue cheese. Season vinaigrette to taste with salt and pepper.
2. Cook potatoes in large pot of boiling salted water until almost tender, about 16 minutes. Drain; cool completely.
3. While potatoes are cooling, heat grill to medium high heat.
4. Once potatoes are cool, slice into ¼ - to ½ -inch-thick rounds. Brush rounds on both sides with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill potatoes until golden and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side.
5. Gently toss grilled potatoes in a large bowl with watercress, green onions and vinaigrette.  Serve. 

Grilled Salmon en Papillote Banana Leaves with Pineapple Salsa
Recipe by Blue Ribbon Cooking School
www.BlueRibbonCooking.com

“En Papillote” is a method of cooking in which the food is put into a folded pouch or parcel and then baked or grilled. The parcel is typically made from folded parchment paper, but other material  such as banana leaves, a paper bag or foil may be used. The parcel holds in moisture to steam the food and when using banana leaves they also infuse a subtle flavor into the food.


Makes 2 servings

• 2 six ounces salmon fillet (or your favorite fish), skin removed
• 2 banana leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ plantain, medium, peeled and julienned
• 1 carrot, medium, peeled and julienned
• ½ zucchini, medium, julienned
• 1 tomato, medium, seeded and chopped
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 ½ cups pineapple, fresh or canned, diced
• Salt and freshly milled black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• Two 24-inch lengths kitchen string
• Pineapple salsa (recipe below)
• 4 fresh thyme sprigs for garnish 

1. Heat grill to medium heat with the lid down.  Rinse the salmon fillets in cold water and pat dry.
2. Using scissors, remove the tough center stems from the banana leaves. Then run the leaf quickly over a flame to soften it and make it more pliable. When it changes from dull to shiny, it is likely soft enough.
3. On a clean dry work surface, fold a piece of banana leaf about 16-inches long in half.  Repeat with another piece of banana leaf.  Place the packages on a baking sheet.  Brush entire surface of each package with olive oil.
4. On the right half of each leaf, place half of the plantains and one-quarter of the carrots, zucchini and tomato.  Place salmon fillets on top of the vegetables and brush with hoisin sauce.
5. Sprinkle diced pineapple equally over each fillet. Lay the remaining julienned vegetables over the fillets.  Season with salt and pepper.
6. Fold the short edge of the banana leaf nearest you over the food. Fold the long sides of the banana leaf toward the center. Then keep folding away from you into a packet shape. Tie each package in both directions with a 24-inch piece of kitchen string. Set them on baking sheet to transport to grill.
7. Brush the outside of the leaves with melted butter.  Place the pouches on the grill and cook until the fish is cooked through, about 6 minutes on each side. After about 12 minutes, remove the packet from the grill to a place where you can safely and gently open enough to test the fish for doneness. The fish should flake easy with a fork and have an opaque appearance through to the center. If the fish isn't done, secure the package and return to the grill.
8. Cut string before serving and transfer packages to plates. The banana leaves are inedible, but they make a nice presentation. Serve with pineapple salsa, garnished with thyme sprigs.

 

Pineapple Salsa

Makes 6 servings

• 1 cup pineapple, fresh, frozen or canned, diced
• ½ cup red bell peppers, diced
• 1 scallion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly milled black pepper, to taste

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl, mixing well.  Chill.  Serve with papillotes.


Grilled Dessert Pizza
Recipe by Blue Ribbon Cooking School
www.BlueRibbonCooking.com

Dessert pizzas are a unique and delicious summertime treat.  Fresh ripe summer fruit paired with cheese are a perfect combination.  You’re actually only limited by your imagination when creating these.  If you find it difficult to think outside of the box, ask the kids what they’d like for a dessert pizza.  They’ll open up vast new vistas to tantalize your taste buds. Ice cream is often a great accompaniment. Note that these pizzas are grilled in a fairly short time so any toppings should be cooked completely or not need to be cooked.

Dough:

•  
• 1 ¾ cup lukewarm water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoon instant yeast
• 19 ounces unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Some Topping Ideas:
 

• Thinly sliced fresh fruit (peaches, nectarines, plums, apples, pears, pineapples, melons, mango, figs, etc.)
• Cheeses such as Mascarpone, Goat, Brie, Blue, Ricotta or Ricotta salata, cream cheese
• Bacon or Proscuitto
• Sour cream or Crème fraiche
• Fresh chopped herbs
• Nutella or Peanut butter

Some Toppings to Drizzle on Finished Pizza:
 

• Reduced balsamic vinegar
• Maple syrup
• Honey
• Molasses
• Fresh lime juice

Dough:

1. In a heavy mixer bowl, place the lukewarm water, sugar and yeast.  Add 6 ounces flour and mix.  Add olive oil.  Add the remaining flour (13 ounces.) and salt and mix for 5 minutes (by hand 15 to 20 minutes).
2. Cover with plastic wrap tightly and let it rise until it double in volume.
3. Punch down and let it rise again until almost doubled.
4. On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 6 to 8 portions.
5. Prepare the grill to medium heat and allow to remain at medium heat for at least 10 minutes.
6. With a rolling pin, roll the dough out very thinly, about 1/8-inch thick.

Note:  Dough may be made in advance, wrapped in plastic and refrigerated.  It must be brought to room temperature before you can roll it out.

Grilling:

1. Brush grill with olive oil.
2. Grill the rolled out pizza dough with cover closed for 1 minute or until it gets grill marked slightly. Flip it over with a spatula. If desired, brush the grill marked side with butter and sprinkle with a topping suitable for the ingredients you’ll be placing on top. (Cinnamon and sugar, brown sugar, Parmesan cheese or untoasted ground nuts are good options for a first layer that pair well with butter.)
3. Close lid and grill for one minute.  Place additional toppings on pizza and grill with lid closed until heated through, or cheese melts (if using), 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Transfer the grilled pizza to a board or baking sheet and, if using, complete topping pizza with any ingredients you may not want heated, such as fresh arugula, freshly chopped herbs or sour cream.
5. Slice and serve.

Grilled Panzanella Salad with Garden Fresh Summer Vegetables
Recipe by Blue Ribbon Cooking School
www.BlueRibbonCooking.com
Makes 8 servings

Dressing:
 

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Salad:
 

• 1 1/2 pounds red bell peppers (about 3 large), cut into 1 1/2-inch-wide strips
• 1 1/2 pounds assorted summer squash, cut lengthwise into 1/3-inch-thick slices
• 1 medium-size red onion, cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
• 1 12- to 14-ounce loaf of ciabatta, some crust trimmed to expose bread, cut crosswise into 1-inch-thick slices
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, peeled, cut into thirds
• 1 pound tomatoes, cored, cut into 3/4-inch dice, juices reserved
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped assorted fresh herbs (such as chives, basil, oregano, and tarragon)
• 2 tablespoons drained capers

Dressing:

Whisk fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar and lemon peel in a small bowl to blend. Gradually whisk in olive oil. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.

Salad:

1. Prepare grill to medium heat. Brush both sides of bell peppers, squash, onion, and bread slices lightly with olive oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. Grill vegetables until tender and brown, about 4 minutes per side for peppers and squash and 3 minutes per side for onion. Set aside.
3. Grill bread until browned and crisp, turning occasionally, about 4 minutes. Cool slightly. Rub bread with cut sides of garlic. Tear bread into 3/4-inch pieces; place in very large bowl
4. Cut grilled vegetables into 1-inch pieces; add to bread in bowl.
5. Add dressing, tomatoes with juices, parsley, assorted fresh herbs and capers to salad and toss. Allow to stand 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Mix chuck, Worcestershire  sauce, A-1 sauce in bowl and mix by hand until fully incorporated. Make about 8oz burger patties or bigger. Heat non-stick pan on medium heat, add oil, cook burger for about 4-5 minutes on each side.

Put a lid over top of it to help cook faster (DO NOT SMASH BURGER). At this time you can turn the heat up to medium high. Once burger is almost done place pulled pork on top and let it warm up on top.

Toast bread in non-stick pan with butter. Spread an unhealthy amount of crab spread on the top bun and place under broiler until spread is softened. Finish burger with sweet and sour sauce. Enjoy!

Henry said she admires Grimes.  The two shared a common cause in the passage of Senate Bill 1, a measure aimed at ensuring that members of the military have adequate access to the voting
process.

"Heather French Henry was very instrumental in our efforts to move Senate Bill 1 through both the House and Senate chambers," Grimes said.  "And I am very appreciative of her work and
assistance with our veterans across Kentucky."

WHAS11 asked Grimes if she or Henry would drop out of contention if the other entered the race.

"Again, that's a premature statement at this point," Grimes responded.  "I'm giving it the due diligence that it's deserved."

At a ceremonial signing of the bill in April, reporters focused on Grimes' role as a potential candidate.  Henry said while she was at the capitol for the ceremony, she was approached about
the race.

Henry said she had not spoken to Grimes in "about a week," but hoped to make contact, soon.

"The last thing I want to do is enter a crowded field," Henry told WHAS11.  "It might elicit a call to Grimes to see what her intentions are."

That's what Kentucky Democrats across the state are also anxious to hear. 

After a small business awards ceremony in the capitol rotunda, Grimes told reporters she had not yet decided whether she will enter the race.

"I'm continuing to talk to my supporters all across this state and giving it the due diligence, again, it deserves," Grimes said.

Grimes is the only candidate to be contacted by the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee, sources have told WHAS11 News.  Actress Ashley Judd, a former Ashland resident now living in Tennessee, had considered the race but opted not to run in March.

Other Democrats who have expressed an interest in challenging McConnell are Owensboro contractor Ed Marksberry, Louisville music producer Bennie Smith, Louisville environmentalist Tom
FitzGerald and Lexington attorney Bill Garmer, the former chairman of the Kentucky Democratic Party.

"I believe that their comments demonstrate that Kentuckians, especially Democrats, will be united in their effort to bring new leadership to Washington DC," Grimes said, "to end the politics of personal destruction, obstructionist behavior and gridlock that we have seen for the past 28 years."

"They're scraping the bottom of the barrel with this one," said Kelsey Cooper, a spokeswoman for the Republican Party of Kentucky.

"I think that's it's showing an act of desperation. they're throwing anyone they can forward. They're waiting for Alison Lundergan Grimes to announce her candidacy and she hasn't yet.  And so, now they're throwing all these people forward."
 
Dan Logsdon, the Chairman of the Kentucky Democratic Party, said it's Republicans who are desperate because McConnell has dismal job approval ratings in Kentucky.

Logsdon said he is confident Democrats will field a competitive candidate.

"Every day that goes by without a candidate is a day they are losing in terms of fundraising, in terms of gaining support," Cooper said.

Steve Henry has faced several controversies, including allegations he misused resources during his failed 2007 gubernatorial campaign and, as an orthopedic surgeon, committed Medicaid and Medicare fraud.

After an audit concluded that state employees improperly used 500 hours of their personal leave on the Henrys' much-publicized wedding in Louisville, the couple reimbursed the state several thousand dollars.  They also repaid the state for trips taken by Heather French Henry.

"The fact that Democrats are encouraging someone with such egregious political baggage and no applicable qualifications to run in one of the most important senate races in the country is a true indicator of their abysmal recruitment efforts," Cooper said.

Henry acknowledged that McConnell helped launch her Miss America campaign by hosting a platform lunch and news conference with then U.S. Senators Jim Bunning (R-Ky) and Trent Lott (R-TN).

A severe weather outbreak is not expected, but a few strong to severe storms possible this afternoon with damaging winds and hail the main threats.  A cold front crossing the area will be triggering these showers and storms, with the highest threat from 2-8pm today.  Storm activity will diminish around sunset. 

Notice with the following four maps, the highest threat of severe storms will be northeast in Ohio.  The tornado threat is small, but still larger in Ohio.  The wind and hail threats are similar and both higher of course in Ohio.  One big reason for the higher severe threat in Ohio is that's where there is a larger acceleration in winds.  Notice the last map and the jet (strong winds) aloft at about 18,000 feet.  This shear can keep storms strong, and also help produce damaging straight-line winds.

Notice also the northwest flow out to our west.  Cooler and drier air will be moving into our region as a result this weekend.

If the race for Kentucky Senate was a casting call, this one is certainly is all about star power. The battle to take on Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell first drew interest from Hollywood actress Ashley Judd.

Current Secretary of State Allison Lundergan Grimes is still on the fence.

Now, Kentucky native and former Miss America Heather French Henry is being courted to run. She lives in Louisville and  told WHAS11's Claudia Coffey she's weighing her options.

"I have not made a decision yet. We've gotten calls from a number of people talking about the race. But I am listening at this point. As a working mother, I have to consider a lot. Any working mother does and especially when you have children."

A month ago, Henry was in Frankfort when Governor Steve Beshear signed  the military voting bill into law that would allow the military to receive and return ballots electronically.

"Twenty-four other states have done this , Kentucky can certainly by and large can make this effort to say thank you to our military to let them vote online," Heather French Henry said.

Secretary of State Allison Lundergan Grimes standing right beside Henry at the capitol signing, pushed for the legislation. Grimes too has been contemplating a senate run.

"I won't be bullied into any decision,"  Grimes said.

And now, with news breaking that Henry is also being lobbied by top Democrats to challenge Senator McConnell, sources close to Grimes tell WHAS11 she continues to seriously consider the race and is reaching out to her biggest supporters from her 2011 election to get their opinions and gauge their level of support for a U.S. Senate bid.

Congressman Yarmuth sent us the following statement:

"Heather French Henry would be an outstanding Senate candidate.  She is a real source of pride for the Commonwealth, and her dedication to helping Kentucky families and veterans would provide real contrast to Mitch McConnell in 2014."
 

Kelly Khuri of Jeffersonville, Ind., drew cheers as she called the IRS an "abomination" that needs to be abolished.
 
Les Naiman, of Louisville, advocated for an overhaul of the tax system to create a flat tax or national sales tax. He says millions need to descend on Washington to demand changes.
 

Notice the area of Moderate Risk over parts of Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana.  This is also where the highest threat of tornadoes will be today (2nd map).   The southern part of the front has a better combination of severe weather ingredients, including instability, shear, moisture, and lift (cold front trigger). 

More showers and storms are expected tomorrow, but our area is not under a Slight Risk (last map, SPC Day 2 Convective Outlook).

As always, go inside if you hear thunder.  Seek shelter if a warning is issued for your area.

Click here to see Fischer's budget plan.
 

“After many years of budgets that required significant cuts, we are finally able to make some investments in basic infrastructure,” Fischer said. “We still have a deficit and we still must watch every dollar we spend, but with an improved economy and increases in revenues we are in a much better position this budget than the past two.”

The $716.2 million budget includes $58 million in federal dollars.  If the U.S. Government's sequester cuts continue, the city will assess how to implement them on a case-by-case basis, said the city's Chief Financial Officer, Steve Rowland.

Approximately 60 percent of the city’s $528 million general fund budget is spent on public safety and includes two police recruit classes and fire and corrections classes while continuing the new paramedic training academy.

A $2 million outlay would purchase 15 new ambulances.

The budget also increases the annual emergency maintenance budget for Metro Parks and Public Works from $500,000 each to $750,000 and $830,000 respectively.

Since city-county merger in 2013, Louisville Metro has spent, on average, $2.5 million each year on road construction.  The 2014 budget hopes to spend $6.4 million to pave roads and create bike lanes this summer and fall.

$1.3 million of the road construction would be funded by the Capital Infrastructure Funds of Metro Council members.  Each of the 26 Metro Council members is budgeted $100,000 in capital funds and $75,000 in Neighborhood Development Funds.

The 28 new miles of bike lanes are concentrated in Old Louisville to connect the University of Louisville, Old Louisville and downtown.

Rowland said the roads to be paved will be determined by the Public Works Department based on the most urgent needs and also according to the contributions from each district account.

Fischer emphasized that since he took office, his team has reduced an annual $22 million structural imbalance to $7 million in the 2014 budget.  He aims to eliminate the shortfall altogether.

The budget provides non-union employees a 2 percent cost-of-living raise (union employees raises are set by their union contract).

Though the budget maintains current grant levels to external agencies, including arts and social service agencies, funding for community ministries which serve the poor is increased by 21 percent, to $1.1 million.

“The ministries provide direct services to our most vulnerable citizens -- and they do it well,” Fischer said. “Their funding has remained flat for many years even as the need has increased.”

Fischer also kept funding levels for the University of Louisville indigent health care fund, known as the Quality Care and Charity Trust, at $7 million, the same level for the past six years.

Information below courtesy Louisville Metro Government

The budget is the first since the Fischer administration adopted its strategic plan -- and the budget aligns with that plan. Budget highlights -- and their strategic goals -- include:

Deliver Excellent City Services

o Buys 15 ambulances.

o Purchases a new body scanner at Community Corrections Center.

o Invests in redesign of the city website, in part to make it easy to use on smart phones.

o Installs self-service check-out stations at five libraries, Bon Air, Iroquois, Shively, Westport, and Highlands-Shelby Park.

o Adds new tornado sirens, near I-71 and US 42, near Bardstown and Beulah Church roads and near Shelbyville Road and the county line.

o Installation of new LEED-certified buildings for the city’s three of five recycling drop-off locations.

Take job creation to the next level

o Continues funding Metropolitan College, the partnership with UPS, at $975,000.

o Continues funding GLI to create jobs, at $956,000.

o Invests $1.5 million on downtown sidewalks to help attract new retails and businesses.

o Dedicates $500,000 to assembling land in West Louisville for economic development.

Invest in people and neighborhoods

o Provides $500,000 in matching grant which, along with Olmsted Conservancy dollars, will finally fix the crumbling Northern Overlook at Iroquois Park.

o Provides $750,000 in matching money that will, in total, secure $3 million of outside money for the Louisville Loop.

o Hires a Vacant and Abandoned Properties coordinator and reorganizes the Community Services and Revitalization staff to create a VAP team – making sure our various efforts to address the vacant and abandoned property issues are leveraged in one place. In addition, the city will hire new positions in the county attorney’s office to expedite foreclosures.


Make plans for a vibrant future.

o Invests $150,000 in the 25-year Vision Louisville plan (which has to date been largely funded by private donations).

o Buys the larger recycling bins for two new routes inside the Urban Services District (routes to be determined later).

o Hires an Urban Forester and provides $50,000 for a tree canopy study and another $100,000 for planting trees.
 

1 pound salmon (cut into 2-3oz fillets)
2  1/2 cups soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 shot rum
Mix soy sauce , brown sugar, rum in sauce pan and cook on low until sugar dissolves. Let cool in fridge, then marinate salmon in mix overnight. The next day pat salmon dry and sauté in pan on medium high for approximately 1 minute on each side

Cajun mayo
1 cup mayo
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons hot sauce
Mix all ingredients in mixing bowl and place aside

Slaw
1 bag cole slaw mix
1 cup mayo
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons vinegar

Put brown sugar in mixing bowl then add vinegar and whisk until there are no lumps.  Add mayo to mixture, stir in cole slaw mix, and let chill in fridge

2 cups pico de gallo (2 tomatoes diced, 4 tablespoons cilantro chopped, 2 shallots minced, 1 jalapeno minced, mix all together and season with salt and pepper)
2 cups shredded lettuce
1 cup fried capers (drain capers and deep fry in oil until they stop making a sound, then place on a paper towel and let cool uncovered)
1 pack of flour tortillas (small about 6-8inch)

Garnish salmon tacos with pico, lettuce, mayo, and capers. Serve slaw on side. Enjoy!!

The guests for this week's 'From Simple to Super' are the UofL Women's Baksetball players Monique Reid and Shelby Harper.