The Kentucky Derby is finally here! Typically held the first Saturday in May, the Run for the Roses was postponed to the first Saturday in September this year due to Covid restrictions (the first time the race hasn’t taken place in May since 1945, when it was cancelled during WWII). And while there will be no fans at Churchill Downs to watch the races in person, we can certainly celebrate with all of the Kentucky classics right at home. I’ve rounded up some southern favorites that are super easy to make and are crowd pleasers!

 

 

First up, we’ll start with the star of the show. The Mint Julep is the official drink of Derby. Bourbon, mint, sugar and water. It’s super simple to make. I would say opinions vary on this classic cocktail but, nonetheless for the novelty of it, you need to have one (at least) on Derby Day.

I’m adding a fun twist by setting up a Mint Julep “Bar”. This way guests can dress up their cocktails with strawberries, peaches or blackberries and add a little sweetness and a pop of flavor.

If you want to serve a mocktail version simply substitute the bourbon with lemonade or ice tea.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Mint Julep Bar      

Here’s what you will need:

Bourbon

Fresh Mint

Crushed Ice

Simple Syrup (can purchase or simply make your own)

Assorted Fruits – peaches, strawberries, blackberries, etc.

Fun glassware and fun straws

**I have been collecting vintage Derby glasses at yard sales for years! Love to bring my collection out each year.

 

 To make a Mint Julep

In a glass, lightly muddle a 3-4 mint leaves, ½ ounce simply syrup, ¼ fruit of choice

Add 3 oz bourbon fill glass with crushed ice.

Garnish with a sprig of mint and enjoy!

 

Next up we’ll move into the southern fare. Yes, please!

Toasted Rosemary Pecans

These are addictive. So be careful that you don’t devour them before your guests arrive. And they will make your house smell amazing!

Here’s what you will need:

4 C pecan halves

¼ C melted butter

2 tsp sugar

2 tsp salt

2 T chopped Rosemary

 

 

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl combine pecans, melted butter, sugar and salt. Next arrange pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, give them a stir, sprinkle with the fresh rosemary and bake for 3-5 more minutes. Cool and serve.

 

Mini Hot Browns

Hot Browns are a Kentucky thing. It’s bacon, cheese, melty goodness. What is there not to love?

The Hot Brown originated at the Brown Hotel in Louisville in the 1920’s. For the history and original recipe check out the details here.

Every caterer in Kentucky has their own version of this regional dish. My favorite version comes in miniature form (we know mini makes everything better!). And my very favorite recipe uses phyllo cups as the vessel for the cheesy bites of heaven. It looks fancy, but trust me this comes together in 15 minutes.

 

 

 

Here’s what you will need:

1 C chopped roasted turkey breast 

6-8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

½ C sliced cherry tomatoes                                   

3 tsp butter

2 tsp all-purpose flour

1 C whole milk

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 C grated Parmesan cheese

2 (15-count) boxes mini phyllo shells

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
• In a medium saucepan, melt butter.
• Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
• Gradually whisk in milk. Cook until sauce thickens. Add in in salt, pepper, and cheese until cheese is melted, then add in turkey and stir to combine. Remove from heat.
• Arrange fillo shells on a baking sheet. Fill each one with filling. Top with crumbled bacon and slices of tomato. Bake 8 to 10 minutes

Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese is a staple in the South for any occasion. So it’s only fitting to serve it up on Derby Day. I consider myself a pimento cheese connoisseur and when I travel if it’s on the menu I always order it to see how the recipe varies from state to state. Here’s my own version which I think captures all the best elements of the ones I’ve tried.

Here’s what you will need:

8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese

8 oz white cheddar cheese

½ C diced roasted red peppers (when I’m feeling fancy, I roast my own, when I’m in a hurry I buy them in a jar)

½ C of mayonnaise

¼ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

If you want to add some heat – add in 4 oz of jalapenos

 

Combine all ingredients and stir. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours prior to serving. All that goodness needs to marinate. Serve with assorted crackers and celery.

 

 

If you want to get fancy…some accompaniments that I now add based on my very important research while traveling – hot pepper jelly, strawberry jam, peach jalapeno jam. Serve in cute little jelly jars and insist people try this unusual combo. The saltiness of the cheese, sweetness of the jam. Trust me, it works.

 

 

 

 

Country Ham and Biscuits

So southern, so simple. I want to be the person that bakes the biscuits. I really do. I have the pastry blender, the cute biscuit cutter. But Mary B’s frozen biscuits taste so much like homemade that most of the time I take this shortcut. You can find these in your freezer section. The tea biscuits are perfect for appetizers! And the buttermilk are heaven on a Sunday morning.

Pop in the oven at 400 degrees for 20 minute. Take out of the oven, cut in half and add slices of country ham. Put it on a pretty platter and you are good to go.

 

Derby Pie

I love a halfway homemade option – where you take a store bought item add to or embellish and elevate an already amazing product. So that’s what I did with Kern’s Kitchen Derby-Pie®. At room temperature I cut into bite size squares, topped with whipped cream and garnished with a mint sprig. Again, mini anything is just better. Kern’s is a Kentucky bakery in Louisville. If you are in KY you can find these chocolate nut pies in your freezer section at most groceries. If you not in Kentucky, you can go with pecan pie and add some chocolate chips on top or Martha Stewart has her own version here if you are in the mood for some baking.

 

 

 

 

Here’s to food, friends and the sun shining bright over Kentucky as it takes center stage on Saturday. Pour a julep and sit back and enjoy the most exciting two minutes in sports (from the comfort of your couch).

 

 

XOXO,