At-Home Kentucky Derby Party

What is the first thing you think of when you think of the first Saturday in May? Being in the world of horse racing it is always the “Run for the Roses” – The Kentucky Derby.

As most of you know Mitch is a jockey, and having the chance to ride in the Kentucky Derby is any jockey’s dream. It is the Super Bowl of horse racing. It is such an honor for any owner, trainer, jockey to have the shot to race in the Derby. One day I hope Mitch can fulfill that dream and have a chance to ride in the Derby! It would such an amazing experience.

However, due to unfortunate circumstances, the Kentucky Derby will now run the first Saturday in September.

I am extremely disappointed because this year will be my first Kentucky Derby! But don’t worry I will still be there in September.

But the fun won’t stop on Saturday, as Churchill Downs is conducting a virtual running of the Kentucky Derby on NBC from 3-6 p.m. ET. They are calling it the “The Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown”.

The virtual race will feature the 13 Triple Crown winners and use data algorithms, including handicapping information about each horse, to determine the probability of their potential finishing positions. 

Go to KentuckyDerby.com and choose your favorite horse to win the virtual race and also join Churchill Downs in making a charitable donation to COVID-19 emergency relief efforts.

So now Mitch and I are having an at-home “Kentucky Derby party,” this Saturday and we want you to join us at your homes!

At-Home Kentucky Derby

Even though it will not be the real Kentucky Derby this Saturday, Mitch and I are treating it like it is. We will be watching the virtual race, enjoying some Kentucky Derby cocktails, and some yummy treats!

Derby Cocktails

Mint Julep

The most famous Kentucky Derby cocktail is the Mint Julep. So you bet Mitch and I will be enjoying one or two this Saturday. See our recipe below:

• 4-5 fresh mint leaves
• 1 1/2 – 2 oz simple syrup (recipe below)
• crushed ice
• splash of cold water
• 2 oz bourbon
• sprig of fresh mint (for garnish)

1. Add mint leaves and simple syrup to bottom of glass.  Muddle together with a muddler or handle of a wooden spoon.  
2. Top with plenty of crushed ice, then pour in splash of cold water, and bourbon.  
3. Stir, garnish with the sprig of mint, and serve!

Simple Syrup Recipe:

1 cup water

1 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Add water and sugar to small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves, boiling about 2 minutes.  Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Oaks Lily

The lesser known Kentucky Derby drink is the Oaks Lily. The Kentucky Oaks runs the Friday before the Derby and is for the fillies (female horses), and the Oaks Lily is the drink of choice. I personally like the Oaks Lily more than Mint Juleps. Here is our recipe:

• 2 oz Vodka
• 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
• 1 oz Orange Liqueur
• 4 oz Cranberry Juice
• Lemon slices and fresh blackberries (for garnish)

1. Mix ingredients together and stir
2. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a fresh blackberry, and serve!

Derby Menu

When it comes to planning a Derby party menu, you really can’t go wrong with anything. Any Southern classic is the right choice! I found these recipes that I think would be yummy while we watch the virtual race!

Mint Julep Bourbon Chicken Skewers

• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 4 tbsp fresh mint leaves, divided
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 lb chicken breasts, diced into small cubes

1. Add the bourbon, brown sugar, 2 tbsp mint, balsamic vinegar, cinnamon, lemon zest and lemon juice to a large mixing bowl and whisk to combine.
2. Place the chicken in the marinade.
3. Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to marinade.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place on small or large skewers.
5. Grill the skewers over medium heat for 20 minutes, rotating throughout the cooking process.
6. Serve large skewers as a meal with fresh chopped mint on top or add fresh mint leaves to smaller skewers to serve as an appetizer. 

Pork Tenderloin Sliders with Blackberry BBQ Sauce

• 1 pork tenderloin (about 1.5 lb), trimmed
• 1 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 10 slider buns

1. Heat the oven and pan. 10 to 20 minutes before you plan to cook, place a large cast-iron or ovensafe skillet on the middle rack in the oven and heat the oven to 450°F. The skillet will heat along with the oven.
2. Season the pork. Pat the pork dry with paper towels and trim off any large pieces of surface fat. Mix brown sugar, dijon mustard, and thyme leaves with the salt and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spice mix onto the pork on all sides.
3. Swirl the pan with oil. Using oven mitts, carefully remove the hot pan from the oven. Add the oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan.
4. Roast the pork for 10 minutes. Place the pork in the pan. Return the pan to the oven and roast for 10 minutes.
5. Flip the pork, reduce the heat, and roast another 10 to 15 minutes. Flip the pork. Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F and continue roasting 10 to 15 minutes more.
6. Rest for 10 minutes before serving. Transfer the pork to cutting board, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing crosswise.
7. Place in slider buns and top with bbq sauce, enjoy!

Blackberry BBQ Recipe:

• 1 cup blackberries
• 1/2 cup onions, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup seedless blackberry preserves
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worchestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

Sauté the onions and garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until softened. Add the blackberries and cook until softened. Add the remaining ingredients until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a blender to purée the sauce. Set the sauce aside until needed.

Kentucky Bourbon Corn Pudding

• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 4 cups fresh or frozen corn
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 teaspoon salt + pepper
• 1- 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup bourbon 
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese grated

CANDIED JALAPEÑOS

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• pinch of salt
• 6 jalapeños sliced

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, corn, cornmeal, salt and pepper until combined.
3. Stir in 1 cup milk, the bourbon, melted butter, eggs and honey. If your batter seems thick add milk to make it pourable, but no more than 1/2 cup. Stir in the cheddar cheese.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow to sit 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with the candied Jalapeños. (Serves 8).

CANDIED JALAPEÑOS

1. Add the sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt to a small sauce pan. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring often to dissolve the sugar. Add the jalapeños and cook 1 minute longer, remove from the heat.
2. Allow the mixture to cool and then store in a glass jar for up to 1 week in the fridge.

Kentucky Derby Pie

• 1 deep dish pie crust
• 1 cup sugar
• 6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 stick butter melted
• 2 large eggs beaten
• 1 ounce bourbon
• 1 cups pecan
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar and flour.
3. Add melted butter and stir until combined. Add eggs and bourbon and stir until fully incorporated.
4. Fold in pecans and chocolate chips.
5. Pour mixture into a deep dish pie pan.
6. Place pie pan in the middle of a large rimmed baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes, until the pie is set and the crust is light brown.
7. Check on the pie as it it cooking. If the edges of the crust are browning too quickly, cover them with foil and continue baking.
8. Remove from oven, allow to cool, cut and serve.

Derby Fashion

My personal favorite part about the Derby is the fashion. I already had my Kentucky Derby dress, and was working with Kathleen and Keegan Millinery to design the perfect fascinator.

Don’t worry once the Derby gets closer, I will bring y’all along for the whole process!

You can’t have a Derby party without dressing up! Get ready to see LOTS of Kentucky Derby fashion content as we get closer to September, but you can keep it simple for your at-home Kentucky Derby party.

Dress in your best preppy clothes- think colors, pastels, and fun prints and florals. But no Derby outfit is complete without a hat! I am personally a fascinator girl, but I do find myself wearing a hat every so often! Your hat should be the main accessory to your outfit. Be sure to have fun with it and show your personality!

I know the Bluegrass state is disappointed that the first Saturday in May will not be full of the traditional celebrations. However, still have Derby fun with the virtual Kentucky Derby, and by having your own at-home Kentucky Derby Party!

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