The Kentucky Derby 2020

Photo: AP

The one and only time I attended the Kentucky Derby was when I was 16 years old. My high school friend, also a Debbie, had an adventurous mom who was brave enough to take 4 teenagers to Churchhill Downs with 1000s of other people. We had fun, and our chaperon did too. Hours before the race we watched a young man climb up a tall metal light pole and take off all his clothes, tossing them to the ground and then watched the police wait for him to climb down to take him away. Poor naked lad, he missed the race! All in all a mellow crowd, the excitement saved for the race itself. Near the start of the race, my namesake and I separated from our group of 5 to find a spot pressed against the fence in the infield to watch the horses run by, and we succeeded, as the spot we randomly selected turned out to be the starting gate that becomes the finish line! The rest of our party decided to watch the race on big television screens set up under a roof area. This was a time before cell phones, yet we knew exactly where to find each other after the race ... the cashiers' widows to cash in our winning tickets!💰💸🤑

Every year I long to go back to the Kentucky Derby but must watch it on television. This year I'm not alone. Nobody gets to go to the Derby, and we will all have to watch the 2-minute race at home.

So to celebrate the 146th running of the historic race, I'm going to hook you up with 2 traditional Derby cheese dips to eat in the comfort of your living room: 1st up is Benedictine Cheese dip. You can leave it as cheese dip. It is also popular to make Benedictine Tea sandwiches:

Benedictine Cheese Dip

Ingredients:

Bluegrass Bites here

1-8 oz package cream cheese, softened
1 peeled, seeded, drained, and finely chopped cucumber
1/2 cup minced onion (or green onions)
1/4 cup finely chopped dill
1 tablespoon low-fat mayonnaise (regular is fine, but do not substitute flavorless non-fat mayonnaise ... never buy it!)
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
A shake (or to taste) of hot sauce (I use Louisana hot sauce, but Tobasco is used too, or to tone down the heat, you can use black pepper to taste ... but why would you?)
Optional: a couple drops of green food coloring

Fresh slices of bread if you make sandwiches, or vegetable sticks and crackers for a dip.

Directions:

Teatime magazine here.

Chop everything as finely as possible and using a potato masher, mix it up in a bowl. (Yes, you can use a food processor if you wish.) 

This simple cheese dip makes delicious sandwiches, but I do not know why as you would not think so!

For the 2nd authentic Derby cheese dip: Kentucky Beer Cheese, I must turn you over to Chef John. His video is so much fun to watch, it is not to be missed. Sooo tasty too!

Below are links to some of the other traditional Kentucky Derby eats I prepare (at times someone brings) whenever I invite friends over to watch the race ... normally held on the 1st Saturday in May. This year our COVID pandemic postponed the Derby, which will run on Saturday, September 5th without any spectators at Churchhill Downs. The loading of the horses into the starting gates happens at 6PM. The race begins around 6:30PM. Check local listings for all the Derby coverage if you wish to see features about the horses, jockeys and owners.🌹

So this year like no other, we are all equal and in it together watching from the comfort of a couch!🙂


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Kentucky Derby Favorites: Hot Brown And Chocolate Pecan Pie

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!!🌹


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Since 1875: The Kentucky Derby (with other Derby recipes)
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The Pegasus Parade Before The Kentucky Derby

Kentucky Oats Lily Cocktail

Photo: Distillerytrail.com

Tomorrow is a big day around the world for television celebrations with family and friends to watch King Charles III's Coronation starting at 5 am in the USA followed by The Kentucky Derby in the evening at 6:30 pm -- both eastern standard time. Depending on where you are on the globe, you'll be getting up very early or staying up very late to watch one or the other.

 

We average Janes and Joes aren't going to get a front-row seat to attend either event, but will have more fun, as well as, the best views at home parties in our very own living rooms. I don't know about you, but miraculously my invitations to both events got lost in the mail!🤥 

At the Kentucky Derby many people want to try the traditional Derby drink, a mint julep, but often discover they don't like the taste of bourbon, its main ingredient. If you are one of them, here's another traditional and refreshing Derby drink you'll see people sipping at Churchill Downs between the races. It's a festive and suitable drink to serve at either a Derby or Coronation party. BTW: The Kentucky Derby will be race #12 - the last race of the day.

 

Let's discuss the origin of the cocktail. The Kentucky Oats is America's "premier and most lucrative" race for 3-year-old female horses i.e., fillies which runs yearly one day before the Derby. The winner is awarded $1.2 million dollars and a garland of lilies. At Churchill Downs in the winner's circle, you might hear the phrase, "lilies for fillies," and now you know how the drink got its name. Below is the recipe:

Kentucky Oats Lily Cocktail

Ingredients:

Photo: Caitlin Bensel/Southern Living

Per serving --

3 ounces (1/3 cup) cranberry juice 

1 ounce (2 tablespoons) lime juice (some people use sour mix)

1/5 ounce (1 1/4 teaspoon) Triple Sec 

1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) FINLANDIA vodka

Crushed ice

Optional: fresh smashed berries for garnish

If making a pitcher full add: 3 parts cranberry juice; 1 part lime juice or sour mix; 1/4 part Triple Sec; 1 part FINLANDIA vodka, and crushed ice

Directions:

Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker or pitcher, shake or stir, and pour into a tall glass over crushed ice. Add a few smashed berries if you wish.

Enjoy tomorrow's celebrations, my lovlies!👑🌹🥳🎉

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Since 1875: The Kentucky Derby

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Since 1875: The Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is the most famous horse race in the world. It always occurs on the first Saturday in May. This year will be the 137th run for the roses, which takes place at historic Churchill Downs in beautiful Louisville, Kentucky.

I was lucky when I attended The Derby.  Not only did I pick the Derby winner, along with a “win,”“place” or “show” horse [one ticket: the horse has to come in 1, 2, or 3 to win], my friends and I chose a spot in the infield to stand, that turned out to be only a few yards away from a direct, eye-level-view of the starting gate.  After the horses are (loaded into the gates and) off, the gates are pulled away and that area on the racetrack becomes the finish line!  So we saw the most meaningful and exciting parts of the race up close.  I watched my horses come in first and third, and we did a lot of jumping up and down ourselves.  It was also beginner's luck, and I haven't bet on 3-year old thoroughbreds since, other than drawing names out of a hat.  Since I'm not a gambler, I'd hate to mar my horse racing, winning streak.

The Kentucky Derby has many traditions that add to the joyful exuberance of the race, itself.  Some are very practical.  You must wear a big hat to cover your head at Churchill Downs, or else you'll sizzle like a walking-talking piece of bacon in the hot sun.

An icy Mint Julep is THE drink to quench your thirst at The Derby.  Here's how to make an authentic one:

Ingredients for each serving:

5 fresh mint sprigs

2 teaspoons fine sugar

About 2 tablespoons water

2 ounces good Kentucky bourbon [guidance]

Crushed Ice

Directions:

1. Rub the mint leaves with your fingers and drop into a silver Mint Julep Cup.  (Or use a glass tumbler.)

2. Crush the mint leaves at the bottom of the cup with a spoon.

3. Add 2 teaspoons fine sugar

4. Add about 2 tablespoons water and stir.

5. Add 2 ounces bourbon.  Stir.

6. Overfill the cup with crushed ice -- over the top snow cone-style.  If you use a silver cup, it will frost on the outside.

7. Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint.
 

The Kentucky Derby is, indeed, the most exciting two minutes in sports.  If you can't make it to Louisville this year, you can still throw a great Derby Party with all the traditions and food.  Don't even think of serving your guests bourbon, without feeding them a hearty meal.  Deviled eggs, country ham, Hot Browns (open-face turkey with Mornay sauce) and Derby Pie (chocolate and pecans) are customary … and scrumptious!

You can also make a huge pot of Kentucky Burgoo and cornbread.  Here's how:

Ingredients:

1 chicken, 3 to 4 pounds

1 ½ pounds chuck roast beef cubes

4 cups beef broth

2 cups water

1 ½ teaspoons coarsely ground pepper

½  teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 can (about 28-32 ounces) tomato puree

6 medium potatoes

2 large onions, chopped

4 stocks celery, chopped

1 medium head cabbage, finely chopped

2 28 ounce cans tomatoes

2 16 ounce bags frozen corn

1 pound fresh carrots, sliced

1 cup fresh sliced okra 
*16 ounces green beans

16 ounces lima beans

2 bell peppers, red and green, finely chopped

Salt to taste, begin with 1 tablespoon

1/4 to 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce

Optional: 2 cups red wine

Other spices to taste: Garlic, cilantro, parsley, red pepper flakes, etc.

Optional:  Some folks use ham hocks, lamb and/or rabbit in this dish.  I do not.

Directions:

1) Stew the meat, beef broth and water in a stockpot for one hour.

2) Remove from the stove, reserve the liquid, but remove the skin, fat and bones from the meats.

3) Shred the meat and return it to the pot.

4) Add the vegetables, spices and other liquids.

5) Simmer on low heat for 4 hours.

Watch The Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 7th on NBC.  Post time is about 6:30 pm, right after the University of Louisville band plays and people sing, “My Old Kentucky Home.”  No need to stand in your living room for the state song ... unless you wish to show your Derby spirit.🌹

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Lousiville After The Kentucky Derby

Photo: horseracingnation.com

After watching the Kentucky Derby, a tourist must visit downtown Louisville for a friendly urban vibe. Main Street is lined with vintage, renovated buildings that have been turned into museums, restaurants, a bourbon distillery (offering free tastings!) and small shops.

Photo: Urban Explorer (The photo credit link no longer works. Since it became a broken link, I removed it.)

From Main Street head on over to East Market Street (which realtors have renamed NuLu) to explore the coffee houses, bars (with delicious food!), as well as, the clothing, craft, furniture, antique and 2nd hand shops populating the block.

Garage Bar: Photo on Yelp by Craig C.

Louisvillians are serious about their food, drinks and hospitality among other things. A down-to-earth city with plenty to see and do.

Photo: SkyBluePrint

During Derby Week festivities begin with fireworks (known as Thunder Over Louisville), the Pegaus Parade, the Belle of Louisville boat race and hot air balloon races. Moreover, activities need not conclude with The Kentucky Derby. So if making the trip to see the race, be sure to build in a day or two to linger in town. You'll have a grand ole time with the locals! Oh yeah, put it on your bucket list.🌹

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The Pegasus Parade Before The Kentucky Derby

All photos: The Courier-Journal.com

Louisville, Kentucky is a spirited city with wonderful, down-to-earth people. They are preparing for tomorrow's Kentucky Derby. The Pegasus Parade is 60 years strong, and it's a fun event for children of all ages, who enjoy big balloons, street performers and floats. 

Tomorrow people will host derby parties and watch the race, itself, which is called the most exciting 2-minutes in sports.

Chances are mint juleps and Bourbon balls will also factor into the day. 

If you can't make it to Churchill Downs for The Kentucky Derby (the run for the roses) this year, you can watch it on TV. Post time is 6:30 pm EST.🌹🐴


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Refreshing Bourbon Slush

Photo: Courtesy of The Kentucky Derby Museum

The Kentucky Derby has many traditions. Bourbon is a popular drink served at the races, as well as, at parties. Many people are familiar with a mint julep, but another treat is the refreshing Bourbon Slush. Usually, I would much rather eat my calories than drink them, but this icy cocktail is worth it! Here is how to make a batch:

Bourbon Slush

Ingredients:

6 cups water

3 cups very fine bourbon

12 oz. lemonade from concentrate

6 oz. orange juice from concentrate

1 cup sugar

2 cups strong tea (Use 2 cups water with 4 black tea bags.)

Top off with: Lemon-lime carbonated soda – 7 Up or Fresca

Directions:

1. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil and add 4 tea bags. Let steep for 5 minutes. Allow to cool.

2. Mix in the rest of the water and the other ingredients (except for the lemon-lime soda).

3. Pour into a container and place in the freezer for 24 hours, stirring occasionally to produce a slush.

4. Scoop into Old Fashioned glasses.

5. Top with Fresca, or 7-Up soda - regular or diet works. This adds fizz and gets the slush to melt slightly, making the drink extra good!

Take a batch of Bourbon Slush to all your summer parties. Freeze it in Tupperware for portability. When word gets out, you will feel the love. 

The Kentucky Derby is this coming Saturday. Post time: 6:30 pm. Enjoy!🌹

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Creole Bread Pudding With Bourbon Sauce

Photo: Southern Living

My father loved bread pudding, but we never made it at home. When my mother made a big weekend breakfast, it was always savory: crispy bacon, eggs, biscuits, orange juice and coffee. If you desired something sweet, you put strawberry preserves on your hot biscuit. My dad ordered bread pudding when we ate out at a restaurant, usually as a dessert after dinner.

Today I'm jazzing up my father's favorite, bread pudding, with pecans. I often add nuts to my pastries, too, to balance the sugar. Here is the recipe:

Creole Bread Pudding

Photo: Simply

Ingredients:

2 cups milk
2 large eggs
1/4 cup brown sugar (or to taste)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
7 slices of whole grain bread
1/2 cup broken pecans (or walnuts)
1/2 cup raisins

Optional: 1 cup whipping cream (I omit it because I don't think to buy it, but then add 1 extra cup of milk as we like pudding.)

Directions:

1) In a mixing bowl whisk together the milk and eggs. Add whipping cream if you use it.

2) Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla.

3) Tear the bread into large bite size pieces and toss into a lightly buttered square 9'' by 13" baking pan.

4) Toss in most of the raisins and about half of the nuts.

5) Next pour in the custard egg and milk mixture and let it soak into the bread - 15 minutes or so.

6) Top with the rest of the raisins and nuts.

7) Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the top is a bubbling golden brown (The bread absorbs the pudding, but the dish shouldn't be dry.) Cool for 10-15 minutes.

Next make the sauce as the bread pudding is baking in the oven. I'll give you 2 possible sauces. Choose one:

Creole Bourbon Sauce 

Ingredients:

Photo: Greyfriars Bobby Bar

1/2 cup butter
1 egg 
1 cup water
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons good Kentucky bourbon

Note: Frankly, I omit the egg, butter and bourbon, instead I make plain ole Brown Sugar Syrup. Using a 1:1 ratio: One cup of brown sugar to one cup of water. Whisk in a pot over heat until the brown sugar dissolves. Turn off the heat after it begins to boil. Let it cool and store in a glass bottle with a lid. But 1st pour it over the bread pudding. Extra brown sugar sauce keeps forever in the refrigerator and can be used on pancakes and French toast. I love brown sugar syrup as much as maple syrup and so always keep a batch in the refrigerator (in an empty maple syrup bottle). 

Use the fancy Creole (with egg) Sauce within a week:

Directions:

1) In a large sauce pan, melt the butter and let cool for 10 minutes.
2) In a cup mix the egg into the water. Whisk into the cooled melted butter.
3) Turn the heat back on and stir in the sugar. Whisk constantly until the sugar dissolves. 
4) When the mixture begins to boil, remove from the heat and stir in the Kentucky bourbon. Let the sauce cool.
5) Serve the bourbon sauce over warm bread pudding ... a little or a lot according to taste.

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Good warm or cold!


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