Kentucky Derby, Mint Julep, Derby Pie

For more than 135 years, The Kentucky Derby has always been the perfect occasion to extend Bluegrass hospitality. Although the Detby is held in Louisville, the spotlight shines on the whole state.

Kentucky derby

Celebrate Race Day

Everyone in the state of Kentucky celebrates on race day, in some way or another. The first Saturday in May, “Derby Day,” is more than a horse race, it’s a social event. The celebration starts with brunch and extends throughout the day and continues over the week-end. If you’re lucky enough to be seated in the upper levels of Churchill Downs, you’re expected to show up in your finest duds. Some women’s hats cost as much as the dresses they wear.

Hot Brown and Derby Pie

Louisville, Kentucky is situated on the banks of the Ohio River and is known for its Kentucky bourbon and country ham. Another indigenous culinary delight is known as the Hot Brown. A sandwich of chicken, bacon or ham topped with a cheese sauce.
This sandwich was first served at the Brown Hotel in the late 1920’s

Derby Pie, is a rich, chocolate chip pecan pie, that’s actually trademarked in Kentucky. The Kentucky Derby, held at Churchill Downs, is known as the fastest two minutes in sports. The Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown of thoroughbred racing.
Last Year on T2T~Kentucky Derby


Mint Julep

 

Ingredients

  • 1 cup
    sugar
  • 1 cup
    water
  • fresh mint
    leaves
  • crushed
    ice
  • Kentucky
    bourbon

Cooking Directions

  1. To make simple syrup; combine sugar and water.
  2. Heat until the sugar is dissolved, set aside to cool.
  3. Put a few fresh mint leaves in the bottom of a silver Derby cup or commemorative glass.
  4. Fill with crushed ice, pour in a little simple syrup, a little water and fill the glass with bourbon.
  5. Add more fresh mint leaves for garnish.

Kentucky Bourbon Early Times

 

 


Derby Pie

 

Ingredients

  • 1/2 (15 oz) package
    refrigerated pie crust
  • 1 cup
    chocolate chips
  • 1 1/2 cups
    pecans
  • 1 cup
    light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup
    sugar
  • 1/2 cup
    firmly packed brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons
    bourbon or water
  • 4
    eggs
  • 1/4 cup
    butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon
    vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons
    cornmeal
  • 1/4 teaspoon
    salt

Cooking Directions

  1. Fit pie crust into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate according to package directions. Fold edges under and crimp. Sprinkle chocolate chips and pecans onto bottom of pie crust, set aside.
  2. Combine corn syrup and next 3 ingredients in a large saucepan, bring to a boil over medium heat, cook stirring constantly, 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. Whisk together eggs and next 4 ingredients.
  4. Gradually whisk one-fourth hot mixture into egg mixture; add to remaining hot mixture, whisking constantly. Pour filling into prepared pie crust.
  5. Bake at 325º for 1 hour or until set. Cool on wire rack.
  6. Serve with whipped cream.