Kentucky Derby Pecan Crusted Pork Cutlet with Mint Julep Vidalia Onions

Kentucky Derby Day!
   
     There is so much tradition involved with the Kentucky Derby.  Churchill Downs in Louisville Kentucky is like no other place on earth.  The first time that I walked through the old grandstand section was truly inspirational.  You can literally feel the history, tradition and the ghosts of the past in that old building.
     I never used to miss a handicapping contest in Las Vegas.  I played the horses everyday for many years.  A French chef that I worked with in a cafe, many years ago, loved horse racing too.  On Kentucky Derby day, we created and sold this delicious special du jour.  This entree's ingredients confirm the name given to this nice plate of food.  Mint julep is the official drink of Kentucky Derby Day!
   
     Pecan Crusted Pork Cutlet with Mint Julep Vidalia Onions Recipe:
     Pound a 5 to 6 ounce pork loin cutlet flat and thin with a mallet or wine bottle.
     Dredge the pork cutlet in flour that is seasoned with sea salt and black pepper.
     Dip the floured cutlet in buttermilk.
     Dredge the cutlet in a mixture of 50% bread crumbs and 50% finely chopped pecans.
     Heat a saute pan over medium heat.
     Add 4 pats of unsalted butter.
     Add 1 small splash of vegetable oil.
     Saute the pecan breaded pork cutlet on both sides, till it become a golden brown color.
     Remove the cutlet from pan and set it on a dry towel to drain off the excess grease.
     Keep the cutlet warm on a stove top.
     Place a saute pan over medium/medium low heat.
     Add 3 pats of unsalted butter.
     Add 1/3 cup of small chopped sweet vidalia onion.
     Saute the onions, till they turn clear in color.
     Add 1/3 cup of Kentucky Bourbon.
     Add 1/4 cup of beef stock.
     Add 2 teaspoons of brown sugar.
     Simmer and reduce the liquid by half.
     Add about 8 to 10 chopped fresh mint leaves.
     Simmer and reduce the liquid, till it is nearly evaporated.
     Reduce the temperature to low heat.
     Add 2 to 3 pats of unsalted butter, while stirring, to finish the mint julep vidalia onions.
     Remove the pan from the heat.
     Place the cutlet on a plate.
     Spoon the mint julep vidalia onions over the pecan crusted pork cutlet.
   
     Southern Vegetables:
     Apple wedges that are stewed with cinnamon, sugar and butter are nice with this entree.
     Sliced yellow squash with sliced leek sauteed in butter seasoned with black pepper and sea salt are a nice modern southern style vegetable.
     Fried slices of ripe plantain are southern Florida favorite.  Plantains are a nice alternative to sweet potato.
   
     This Kentucky style entree is delicious!  The flavors are rich, warm and friendly.  This is my favorite entree to offer as a special du jour on Kentucky Derby day!
     Have a few Mint Juleps after dinner and watch the worlds most famous horse race!
   
     By the way, I did cash a very nice exacta wager on the 2010 Kentucky Derby!  The winning horse's name was Super Saver.  The photographs at Churchill Downs were from July, 2010.  ...  Shawna