The Masters' golf tournament takes place in early April, in Augusta, Georgia, and is the first of four major championships throughout the year. The event is held at Augusta National Golf Club, where their "fans" are referred to as “patrons.” Here are some other traditions you might not have known about this event.
Azaleas
Augusta National is beyond recognizable for its beautiful azaleas around the golf course, which are in full bloom just in time for the Masters. My Grandfather had a gorgeous azalea garden that he was very proud of, placed right in between our house and theirs. For me, azaleas are a true symbol of Springtime in the south, as they are everywhere! Just like the beautiful bougainvillea that grows throughout Santa Barbara, the azalea is a vibrant shrub that is found all throughout the South.
The unofficial drink of the Masters is the Azalea Cocktail, named for the famed 13th hole at Augusta National. This beautiful and refreshing drink contains pineapple and lemon juice, gin or vodka, and grenadine. You can even make a large pitcher in advance for parties.
Azalea Cocktail Recipe
Makes 1 cocktail
Ingredients:
1 part lemon juice
2 part vodka
1 part pineapple juice
splash grenadine, add until the desired color is reached
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together and serve. Garnish with lemon slices, if desired. Refrigerate mixture until ready to serve.
(Recipe from Stephanie @ www.plainchicken.com)
Personal Invitations
Players who have qualified for the event are sent formal invitations from Augusta National. And, if you were a Masters champion, you receive an invitation every year, for life. All who receive an invitation are expected to R.S.V.P., preferably handwritten. This is the South after all.
The Famous Green Jacket
Did you know that the Masters green blazer given to the winner is only on loan? The winner is given the iconic blazer on Sunday evening after the tournament and is expected to return it the following year.
NO Cell Phones Allowed
If you are so fortunate to be a patron at the Masters, make sure you have important numbers memorized in case you need to make a phone call. Augusta National is very strict on not allowing cell phones. They have courtesy phone banks that you can use, but it’s on you to remember what number to dial!
Pimiento Cheese Sandwiches (recipe below)
A tradition that is not to be missed at the Masters, is the $1.50 pimento cheese sandwiches. This is also something that I serve at my Derby parties, sometimes as little tea sandwiches or if I have a larger crowd, I make it a dip with crackers and veggies. It is very simple to make from scratch and is definitely a crowd-pleaser! (In a pinch, if you don't want to make it from scratch, Trader Joe's carries one that is pretty good.) This recipe below is one that will be similar to the pimento cheese that they have at the Masters. I usually use the recipe from my Bluegrass Winners cookbook. (see recipe below)
Recipe for the Masters' Pimento Cheese Spread:
3 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded yellow sharp cheddar cheese
4 oz crumbled blue cheese
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 (4-oz) jar of sliced pimentos, drained
1 cup light mayo
2 tbs Dijon mustard
1 loaf of white bread
Combine cheeses, pimentos, mayo, and mustard in a food processor and process until smooth. Cover and chill. Spread on bread slices. Makes four sandwiches. Or, use a dip with crackers.
(From the book Par 3 Tea-Time at the Masters by the Junior League of Augusta, GA. (available on amazon.com))
Recipe for Pimento Cheese Spread (from Bluegrass Winners a Cookbook)
1 (4-oz) jar chopped pimento, drained
1 cup homemade mayonnaise
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp Spice Islands hot dry mustard
1/4 tsp Spice Islands cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1-2 cloves garlic, crushed
8 oz Colby cheese, grated
8 oz Cheddar cheese, grated
Mix well with a rotary beater, adding cheese last. Continue beating until smooth. Store in tightly sealed crocks in the refrigerator. Makes 4 cups.
(recipe from Bluegrass Winners a Cookbook sold on Amazon.com)
