Toast to the Derby

By Article: Marian Cooper Cairns

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

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
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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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