Kentucky Derby Favorites: Hot Brown And Chocolate Pecan Pie

Thousands of Louisvillians watch the Kentucky Derby at home like everyone else in the world. If you desire some Derby local color, here are two dishes to make this Saturday before or after the race, but never, ever during the most exciting 2 minutes in sports. Post time is at 6:30 pm EST, so plan accordingly.

The Hot Brown at The Brown Hotel, Louisville, Kentucky

First up is a Hot Brown, an open faced sandwich consisting of turkey, crispy bacon and sliced tomatoes covered in scrumptious Mornay sauce. The legendary sandwich was created by Chef Fred Schmidt in 1926 at Louisville's elegant Brown Hotel. Click here for the original recipe.

Follow up your Hot Brown with a slice of Derby Inspired pie. The real Derby pie, made of pecans, semi sweet chocolate chips and a touch of bourbon (OK, maybe more than a touch) was created by George Kern in 1950 at the Melrose Inn in Prospect, Kentucky, a suburb of Louisville. Because it is copyrighted and the Kern family hasn't made it available to the public, we need to call this dessert anything but Derby pie.

Homemade Kentucky Chocolate Pecan Pie🐴

Ingredients

Photo: Markmark28

An unbaked 9 inch pie crust
1 cup dark (or semi sweet) chocolate chips
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup (one stick) softened butter
4 large eggs
1 ounce good Kentucky bourbon
1/3 cup maple syrup
2/3 cup light corn syrup {how to make your own: For one cup substitute 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar dissolved in 1/4 cup hot water. You will only use 2/3 of it.}
1 1/2 cups pecans (*walnuts are often substituted*)

Directions:

1) Sprinkle the chocolate chips on the bottom of the unbaked pie crust.

2) Whisk together the sugar and butter. Add the eggs, bourbon, maple syrup and corn syrup. Stir in the pecans.

3) Pour into the unbaked pie crust and pop into a preheated 350 degree F oven.

4) Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the center is set. Allow to cool before slicing.

If you host a Kentucky Derby party here are favorite Derby appetizers to serve: Benedictine spread and Pimento Cheese spread. It is not a day you will save on calories, however, the food is shared.

Undoubtedly, they are luscious!  You're welcome! Enjoy the Kentucky Derby!!🌹


You may also enjoy:
Refreshing Bourbon Slush
Since 1875: The Kentucky Derby (with other Derby recipes)
Louisville After The Kentucky Derby
The Pegasus Parade Before The Kentucky Derby