Kentucky Derby Party Menu Ideas
No Need to be at Churchill Downs to Enjoy the Race; Host a Party
Oct 28, 2009
More than just a horse race, the Kentucky Derby has grown into a festival that lasts a full week with parades, balloon races, an air show, and plenty of parties from backyard barbecues to black-tie events.
Held every year on the first Saturday in May, the Kentucky Derby will host its 135th race in 2010. Can't make it to the actual race? Host your own party and try some of these delicious Kentucky flavors to surprise and delight the guests!
Run for the Roses
Another name for the Kentucky Derby, it signifies the garland of red roses awarded to the derby winner each year. A perfect centerpiece at the party buffet table would be a horseshoe-shaped wreath of red roses.
A derby luncheon buffet could have any number of Southern recipes. Here is a list of ideas that will satisfy a hungry crowd:
- tea sandwiches
- Southern pulled pork on buns
- shrimp cocktail
- salad
- corn on the cob
- biscuits
- mint juleps
- Kentucky bourbon pecan tarts
Salad with Sugared Pecans
(use Kentucky bourbon to make this a perfect Derby Salad)
Ingredients:
- 6 Tbsp melted butter
- 1 cup (plus 3 tsp) brown sugar, divided
- 9 Tbsp Kentucky bourbon, divided
- 6 cups pecan halves
- 2-1/4 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1-1/2 cups olive oil
- 6 bunches of Bibb lettuce
- 1 lb of bacon
- Crumbled blue cheese
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°. Combine the melted butter, 1 cup of brown sugar and 4 Tbsp of bourbon into bowl. Add the pecans and coat well. Spread pecans onto an ungreased baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes. Cool.
- Cook bacon and set aside to cool before breaking into small pieces.
- Whisk together 2 Tbsp bourbon, 3 tsp brown sugar, olive oil and apple cider in bowl. Cover and put in refrigerator to chill for at least half an hour.
- Tear lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in large salad bowl. Add the crumbled blue cheese and bacon. Toss with dressing mixture and sprinkle the pecans over top. Makes 12 servings.
Mint Julep — The Kentucky Derby Cocktail
A Mint Julep is made with Kentucky bourbon, fresh mint leaves, sugar and finely crushed ice. The traditional way to serve the julep is in a festive silver goblet.
Kentucky Bourbon Pecan Tarts
These tarts can be made in a muffin tin, or if preferred, as a single pie in a pie pan. The tarts are easier for guests to manage at a buffet and can be eaten without utensils. Recipe printed here with permission from Polly Foster.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 2 eggs
- 2 Tbsp bourbon
- 1 Tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- powdered sugar
- pastry (recipe included)
Pastry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 pkg (3 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tsp sugar
Directions for pastry:
- Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl. In a second bowl, mix butter, cream cheese and sugar until combined. Stir in the flour mixture and blend well. Roll into ball, divide in half and work with one half at a time.
- On a floured surface, roll out the pastry to a 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into twelve rounds about 2-1/4-inches, each. Press these into muffin pan, covering the entire bottom and sides of each cup. Do this with the other half of pastry dough until 24 pastry cups have been completed. Store in refrigerator until ready to fill.
Directions for filling:
- Beat eggs lightly in medium bowl, add sugar, corn syrup, bourbon, vanilla and butter. Blend well.
- Spoon a heaping teaspoon of pecans into each pastry cup. Add 1 Tbsp corn syrup mixture to each cup.
- Bake in preheated oven at 350° for 20 minutes or until slightly browned. Cool in pans for several minutes and then place on wire rack to cool completely. Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar to serve. Makes 24 tarts.
Don't forget to wear the traditional Derby hat — the festive "topping" for every Derby party.
If you liked this article, you may also like Summer Party Food Ideas and Perfect Party Finger Foods.
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