If you are not able to head to Churchill Downs for the 152nd Kentucky Derby, might I give you some food and drink pointers for your party that you will either host or attend? These come from long-time Louisville natives, AND I have made a few of these in the past. So, grab a pencil or your printer. I am giving you the list of snacks, drinks, main items and desserts to make for your Derby party. So get your apron, your Kroger/Target/Meijer app, and your favorite hat. Time to make the party treats!
Snacks
Pimento Cheese Spread
Courtesy of lairenslatest.com.
Do NOT buy store bought. Never. I have used my Master’s recipe which is divine. I will link it here. If you have a Pinterest account, drop me a DM (@petrorock44) and I can share it.
I also make homemade Amish sandwich bread and it’s a culinary delight!
Feeling adventurous? Try the Pimento Mac and Cheese. Just add the pimento cheese spread to elbow macaroni and pop it in the oven!
Cucumber canapes
tasteofhome.com
Louisville friends of mine say this is one of their parents and relatives favorites. Grab the small pumpernickel bread or puff pastry in your grocers refrigerated section. Careful though. Cukes have a higher water content so spread them on the bread/pasty just before serving to minimize the soggy factor.
Drinks
Mint Julep
It’s hard to find a drink more associated with a sporting event (even a social event) than the Kentucky Derby and Mint Juleps. But my suggestion is to make the mint sugar syrup in advance. I’ve had them muddled before. Good, but not that great. I’ve had them when the host SAID it was a sugar syrup, but my taste buds said…nope. Straight water.
MUST be bourbon. I had a person serve with whiskey and it’s just NOT the same! But buy the mint NOW. Stores will run out of this. I’m sure Trader Joe’s will make sure they have plenty! But don’t chance it. But it must be simple. No strawberry or mango or anything else. Classic. Period.
Try it mock style with unsweetened ice tea or maybe ginger ale!
Main meal
Kentucky Hot Brown
When I was a restaurant manager and moved to Dayton, Ohio, we had similar sandwiches called Hot Shots. These hot browns are better! Thick, crusty bread. Turkey, bacon, tomatoes, and a mornay sauce. Sign me up! Wow!
Dessert
Kentucky Bourbon Pie. Whoa Nellie! What a treat!
We know this isn’t sports, per se. But it’s what we eat when we watch the Derby. Share with us what you like on Kentucky Derby day!
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