Kentucky Derby Menu

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Roasted Brown-Butter Pecans
Spring-on-a-Plate Salads
Assorted Vegetables with Whipped Lemon Aïoli
Biscuits and Ham with Fig Chutney & Blue Cheese Butter
Watercress Canapés
Derby Truffles
Mint Julep Bar

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Roasted Brown-Butter Pecans with Rosemary

Make two batches of these salty but slightly sweet pecans if you have a large crowd. You can store them in an airtight container up to 3 days, or freeze up to 1 month.

Recipe: Roasted Brown-Butter Pecans with Rosemary

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Spring-on-a-Plate Salads

Look for tender, fresh baby greens and microgreens at your local farmers’ market; they should be abundant this time of year. Soaking vegetables in ice water crisps them up.

Recipe: Spring-on-a-Plate Salads

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Whipped Lemon Aïoli

Indulgent and lightly flavored, this dip is the perfect partner to colorful spring veggies such as green and purple endive; assorted radishes; and blanched, chilled asparagus and haricots verts (tiny green beans).

Recipe: Whipped Lemon Aïoli

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Fluffy Cream Cheese Biscuits

Fluffy Cream Cheese Biscuits with Figgy Port Chutney, Blue Cheese Butter, and Ginger Ale-Brown Sugar Smoked Ham make up this delectable Derby sandwich.
Three leavening ingredients—yeast, baking powder, and baking soda—ensure light biscuits every time.

Recipe: Fluffy Cream Cheese Biscuits

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Watercress Canapés

Create color with cucumbers, yellow squash, candy-cane beets, salmon caviar, zucchini, herbs, radishes, sprouts, and other fresh finds.

Recipe: Watercress Canapés
Try these twists: Goat Cheese Canapés and Bacon-and-Olive Canapés

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Derby Truffles

These make-ahead gems are easy enough for casual get-togethers and fancy enough for special occasions. Display Derby Truffles with bakery macaroons and/or sugar cookies on tiered stands.