Host a Derby Party

It’s Kentucky Derby time y’all! ! Every year since 1946, The Kentucky Derby has been held the first Saturday of May. This year it will be held on May 7th. Let’s put on our fanciest hats and host a derby party!

Mint Julep recipe

 

Mint Julep

Ingredients

  • 8 mint leaves
  • 1/4 ounce simple syrup
  • 2 ounces bourbon
  • Garnish: mint sprig
  • Garnish: Angostura bitters

 

Steps

  • In a Julep cup or rocks glass, lightly muddle the mint leaves in the simple syrup. Add the bourbon then pack the glass tightly with crushed ice. Stir until the cup is frosted on the outside. Top with more crushed ice to form an ice dome, and garnish with a mint sprig and a few drops of bitters (optional).

 

MINT SPRIG GARNISH HINT

Firmly slap the mint sprig on the back of your hand before garnishing; this releases the oils to make the mint more aromatic.

 

Hibiscus Mint Lemonade

The Mint Julep alternative

 

INGREDIENTS

 

1 c. fresh lemon juice

1 c. sugar

1/2 c. fresh mint

2 hibiscus tea bags

 

DIRECTIONS

 

Combine lemon juice, sugar, and mint in a mason jar. Muddle with a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon until mint is bruised. Add tea bags. Tightly screw on the lid, and shake until the sugar is dissolved, about 1 minute. Let sit 1 hour; discard tea bags.

Pour sugar mixture into a large pitcher. Top with 6 cups water and ice. Serve over ice garnished mint sprigs.

Kentucky Derby Walnut Pie

 

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 tablespoons Kentucky bourbon
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 ready-made pie crust (for a 9-inch pie)

 

Steps to Make It

 

  1. Gather the ingredients. Heat the oven to 350 F.

 

  1. Combine the flour and sugar in a mixing bowl.

 

  1. Add the eggs and melted and cooled butter, and mix to combine.
  2. Stir in the bourbon, walnuts, chocolate chips, vanilla, and salt.

 

  1. Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust.

 

  1. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the filling is set.

 

  1. Set the pie on a wire rack and let cool before slicing. Serve and enjoy.