We’re tired of somber and gloomy. Turn off the news, call some friends and dust off your good china, feminine frocks and oversized hats. With our Kentucky Derby menu, we hope to interject a little fun and frivolity into the spring.
The annual horse race, dubbed the Race for the Roses, takes place the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. This Southern tradition is all about celebrating, even if your horse isn’t the winner.
Our menu updates some classic Southern fare (which can be heavy). In general, use Jeanie Burke’s tips for lightening recipes (substitute olive and canola oils for any bacon, lard or butter in the recipes). A buffet format provides ease for the hostess, and most of the menu can be done days in advance.
Invite some favorite friends, whip up a few mint juleps, and you are good to go for a festive Saturday afternoon. Silly hats are required!
Kentucky Derby Buffet
Mint Juleps
Glazed Ham with Cheddar Biscuits
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sautéed Greens with Pine Nuts and Shallots
Burgoo (traditional Southern stew)
Chocolate Bourbon Baby Bundt Cakes
Pecan Tarts
Mint Juleps
3 cups water
3 cups sugar
8 ounces fresh mint
Crushed ice
Kentucky bourbon whiskey
Combine sugar and water over medium heat in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, and continue to let boil for 5 minutes. Let cool. Add 4 ounces of mint and let the flavors seep.
To make a Mint Julep, chill a silver julep cup (or use an old fashioned glass or highball), fill with crushed ice, and pour in 1½ tablespoons of the mint simple syrup and 2 ounces of bourbon. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. This recipe yields enough for at least 20 drinks.
Chocolate Bourbon Baby Bundt Cakes
½ cup bourbon
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup butter, cut into small pieces
1½ cup brewed coffee
2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
1¼ teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoons salt
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
Chocolate sauce or whipped cream, optional
Butter baby bundt cake pan and dust with an extra 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Combine bourbon, cocoa, butter and coffee in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat and add sugar.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. Add beaten eggs and vanilla into cooled chocolate mixture.
Add flour mixture to the chocolate mixture. Pour batter into baby bundt cake mold and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
