Talk Derby to Me

The countdown is on for the Kentucky Derby and, if you’re like me, you can’t wait!  Maybe it’s just those of us hailing from the Bluegrass State who get so excited the Derby but something tells me it’s not.  And this year, I’m even more excited because I am actually going to the Derby. That’s right! I get to celebrate the most exciting two minutes in sports trackside, frosty Mint Julep in hand and people watching–and, trust me, there’s a lot to see.  Fabulous hats, gorgeous dresses, beautiful people and equally beautiful horses. Everyone should go at least once.  It’s truly a bucket list event.

The Kentucky Derby is a holiday–at least in Kentucky!  And what do we love to do at the holidays? Entertain, of course.  Planning a Derby party can be so much fun and I’ve got some ideas that can help you turn your Derby Day gathering into an effortlessly elegant event.

Decorations can be as elaborate or as simple as you want.  My bet is on simple and there’s nothing easier than setting out a centerpiece of red roses.  Why red roses? Because one of the names of the Derby is the “run for the roses.” Every Derby winner receives a blanket made from more than 400 red, red roses.  If you really want to follow tradition, replace your vases with silver julep cups. 

Planning your menu can be easy, too.  Typically, Kentucky favorites are the star of any Derby party.  In recent years, I have made a special Derby charcuterie spread–using our Beer Cheese as a new addition and also using our Pimento Cheese.  Replace typical charcuterie meats with some good Kentucky country ham and biscuits. Pickled Shrimp and Beef Tenderloin sandwiches are also a good idea. Delish! 

I have plenty of recipes at In the Curious Kitchen that would be wonderful for a Derby gathering.   There’s nothing more traditional than a Kentucky Hot Brown and you can easily adapt this simple recipe into bite size appetizers.  The Hot Brown was invented at Louisville’s grand Brown Hotel in 1926–and they are still served today.  Legend has it that the chef always prepared something substantial for his late, late night customers–who may or may not have been enjoying some fine Kentucky Bourbon.  One night, he decided to try something different with the very few ingredients he had left at that late hour and the Hot Brown became an instant favorite.  

In the Curious Kitchen Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs are a guaranteed winner, easy to make, and always a fan favorite.  Chocolate Dipped Strawberries and Bourbon Balls can help round out any dessert table. 

You can’t get more Kentucky than Benedictine spread, which was also invented in Louisville by a local caterer.  Some people think the recipe gets its name because it was invented by the Benedictine monks, who live nearby but it’s actually named for its creator Jennie Carter Benedict–a legendary Kentucky restauranteur, cookbook author and caterer.  Oddly enough, this easy recipe was omitted from her 1902 cookbook because she tried to keep the recipe a secret.  But lucky for us, it appeared a couple of decades later. This pastel green, cucumber-based concoction is a light and fresh blend of cream cheese, fresh herbs and sour cream.  And like it’s culinary cousin, pimento cheese, it’s best served on your favorite white bread as a sandwich or enjoyed as a dip with crackers or crudite. It is a Derby party staple but can be made year-round for tailgates, wedding or baby showers, and picnics. 

You want to make sure to have plenty of Kentucky bourbon on hand for your gathering and keep those Mint Juleps flowing. But Mint Juleps aren’t the only cocktail served at Churchill Downs.  The Lily is the signature drink created for the Kentucky Oaks race (the day before the Derby) and is a close relative of the Cosmopolitan.  It’s a vodka-based drink featuring orange liqueur, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.  It’s light and refreshing and the perfect shade of pink to honor the fillies who run in the Oaks race. 

But do step away from the food table and bar long enough to catch the race.  It’s exciting but it only lasts for two minutes!

Cheers!

MK