Toast to the Derby

By Marian Cooper Cairns
Jennifer Davick
The fastest two minutes in sports leaves plenty of time for ham biscuits, bourbon truffles, and flavorful juleps. Hats off to this Millionaires Row-worthy menu at your Kentucky Derby party
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Kentucky Derby Menu

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
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Roasted Brown-Butter Pecans with Rosemary

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: 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.

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Spring-on-a-Plate Salads

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: 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.

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Whipped Lemon Aïoli

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: 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).

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Fluffy Cream Cheese Biscuits

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: 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.

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Watercress Canapés

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Watercress Canapés

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

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Derby Truffles

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Derby Truffles

These make-ahead gems are easy enough for casual get-togethers and fancy enough for special occasions.

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The Ultimate Julep Bar

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Derby Julep

Pair your Derby Julep with any of our flavored syrups to make it worthy of your finest pewter.

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    What a Kentucky Bourbon Aficionado Drinks on Race Day

    Photo: Jennifer Davick

    Recipe: Julian’s Old Fashioned

    Julian Van Winkle, president of the legendary Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery in Frankfort, shares his go-to cocktail.

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