3 MUSKETEERS(R) MINT and Ingrid Hoffmann Provide Decadent Tips to Bring the Kentucky Derby Home

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J., April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kentucky Derby is days away and it is time for you to host your Southern Soiree. This year, Simply Delicioso Host and Mars' BrightIdeas.com spokeswoman Ingrid Hoffmann, has partnered with new 3 MUSKETEERS(R) MINT to create the ultimate at-home Kentucky Derby 'mint' party. Whether you are planning an annual party or starting a new tradition this year, it is essential to have the right menu, decor and ambience to fit the occasion.

The Kentucky Derby is known for its traditional mint julep cocktail and in keeping with that tradition, Food and Lifestyle Expert Ingrid Hoffmann has crafted easy and fun ways to create a mint-themed party, using light and fluffy 3 MUSKETEERS(R) MINT, that your guests are sure to love!

Hosting your Kentucky Derby party will be easy with Ingrid's entertaining tips, traditions, recipes and decor themes-all with a unique minty flair!

The invitation

Print out betting ballots on vibrant colors with the location of your party. Wrap the ballots around a 3 MUSKETEERS(R) MINT bar and mail to all your friends. This ballot will be used to enter a raffle at your Kentucky Derby party.

Setting the ambiance

Wooden horseshoes, colorful Jockey shirts, southern bonnets and mint juleps served with mini 3 MUSKETEERS(R) MINT bars are all staples to set the tone and ambience at your Kentucky Derby party. Everything from table linens and center pieces to place settings and party favors could represent a different team.

The tasty treat

No party is complete without a tasty treat! In keeping with our time - honored tradition of something minty at the Derby, Ingrid has developed a refreshingly minty 3 MUSKETEERS(R) MINT Chocolate Derby Pie:

Ingredients:
8 Fun Size 3 MUSKETEERS(R) MINT Bars
1 Tablespoon whipping cream
1 (9-inch) pie shell
1 Stick unsalted butter, softened
2 Tablespoons Kentucky Bourbon
2 Eggs
1 Cup sugar
1/2 Cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 Cups chopped pecans
2/3 Cup chopped Dove Rich Dark Chocolate

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Combine 3 MUSKETEERS(R) MINT and cream in a double boiler over low
heat. Cook until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth, stirring
frequently. Spoon the chocolate mixture into the pie shell and spread
to cover the bottom. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes or until
set
3. Place the butter, bourbon, and eggs in a large bowl; beat with an
electric mixer until well combined. Combine the sugar and flour in a
separate bowl; with the mixer running, gradually add sugar mixture to
butter mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in pecans and chopped
chocolate. Spoon filling over chilled chocolate layer in prepared pie
shell
4. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes or until set. Remove from oven
and cool on a wire rack. Cool to desired temperature

For more of Ingrid Hoffmann's tips and recipes to host your Kentucky Derby mint-themed party, please visit www.3musketeers.com. The Latin food and entertaining expert also shares her culinary talent and creative insights to provide recipes, celebration planning tips and creative ideas on BrightIdeas.com around key seasonal timeframes and holidays, such as Valentine's Day, Easter and more.

About BrightIdeas.com

BrightIdeas.com is an excellent resource for all holiday and celebration needs. You'll find recipes, gifts, as well as entertaining ideas. There are more than 400 recipes and ideas for delicious treats, plus fun family activities for just about any occasion. For more information on Ingrid Hoffmann and fun recipes using Mars products, visit www.BrightIdeas.com.

About Ingrid Hoffmann

Growing up in her mother's kitchen, who is a Cordon Bleu chef, Ingrid discovered her passion for food and entertaining, developing dishes with a Latin twist. Hoffmann is the host of Food Network's Simply Delicioso as well as the hit series, Delicioso on the Spanish-language network, Galavision/Univision, which is currently in its fifth season. More of Hoffmann's cooking and entertaining ideas are included in her debut cookbook, SIMPLY DELICIOSO: A Collection of Everyday Recipes with a Latin Twist, which released February 5, 2008.

About Mars Snackfood US

Mars Snackfood US is a division of Mars North America, which is the United States food, snack and pet care operations of Mars, Incorporated, one of the world's leading food manufacturers. With more than $7 billion in annual sales in the U.S., the combined food, snack and pet care segments are a symbol of excellence for quality brands. Headquartered in Hackettstown, New Jersey, Mars North America employs more than 9,000 associates in the United States, with 52 facilities nationwide. The company owns some of the world's favorite brands, including M&M'S(R) Brand, SNICKERS(R) Brand, UNCLE BEN'S(R) Brand, PEDIGREE(R) Brand Food for Dogs, and WHISKAS(R) Brand Food for Cats.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Mars Snackfood US

CONTACT: Vijay Lalwani of Brand Building Communications, +1-212-343-8917
(office), +1-786-543-3815 (mobile), vlalwani@brandbuildingpr.com; or Ryan
Bowling of Mars Snackfood US, +1-908-850-2396 (office), +1-908-914-1702
(mobile), ryan.bowling@effem.com

Web site: http://www.3musketeers.com/

2008-04-29 19:59:18 0348481 PRNEWSWIRE