food

The Ultimate Derby Party

Make your party spread unforgettable with baked cheese straws, mini pecan pies, spiked sweet tea and cheesy, open-faced turkey sandwiches.

food

The Ultimate Derby Party

Make your party spread unforgettable with baked cheese straws, mini pecan pies, spiked sweet tea and cheesy, open-faced turkey sandwiches.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces finely grated extra sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup diced pimentos
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Steps

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Place cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, butter, pimentos, mustard powder, salt and pepper in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
  3. Beat ingredients until incorporated, scraping down sides of mixing bowl with a spatula. Sprinkle in flour in batches, mixing until just incorporated.
  4. Turn dough out onto a floured work surface, cutting in half so you can work more easily with one half at a time.
  5. Roll dough to about 1/8th of an inch thick rectangle measuring 4 inches by 11 inches.
  6. Using a fluted pastry cutter or knife, cut 1/2-inch thick strips, and place on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough, reworking scraps up to 2 times.
  7. Bake straws in batches for about 10 minutes, rotating in oven and baking for another 10-12 minutes.
  8. Allow to cool slightly before placing on a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy within a few days, storing in an airtight container.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard, optional
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar
  • 1/2 cup finely shredded Pecorino, divided
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 thick slices of white bread
  • 1 pound freshly roasted turkey breast, sliced thin
  • 16 slices Roma tomatoes
  • 16 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked slightly crispy
  • Dash or two of hot sauce (preferably Southern)
  • Chopped parsley, for garnish

Steps

  1. Prepare Mornay sauce by melting butter in a sauce pot. Sprinkle with flour and mustard, stirring to incorporate. Slowly whisk in milk in batches until mixture begins to thicken. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent scorching on the bottom. Cook for about 5 minutes.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in half the cheeses. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. To prepare sandwiches, preheat broiler to high. Once heated, toast bread, turning once.
  4. Top toast with a thick pile of turkey, 2 slices of tomato, a hefty spoonful of sauce, and a sprinkling of both cheeses.
  5. Broil for about 2-3 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly. Garnish with 2 slices of bacon and a sprinkling of chopped parsley. Enjoy immediately!

Ingredients

  • 12 mint leaves
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 8 ounces Kentucky bourbon such as Maker's Mark
  • Crushed ice for serving
  • Fresh mint bunches, for garnish
  • Sweet Tea (makes 2 cups):
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 black tea bags
  • Pinch of baking soda
  • 1 cup ice cubes
  • 1/3 cup simple syrup

Steps

  1. Prepare the sweet tea. Place water in a kettle or pot on the stove and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, add in tea bags and steep for about 5-7 minutes. Remove and discard tea bags.
  2. Place remaining ingredients in a pitcher. Pour prepared tea over and stir to combine.
  3. In a cocktail mixing glass, place mint, lemons and brown sugar. Muddle for 10-12 seconds until fragrant and lemons are juicy.
  4. Top with bourbon and 8 ounces sweet tea, stirring to combine. Pour into 4 Julep cups and top with crushed ice and lots of fresh mint. Enjoy immediately.

Ingredients

  • 1 box store-bought pie crust, refrigerated
  • 1 1/2 cups pecan pieces, toasted and chopped
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Vanilla bean or butter pecan ice cream, for serving

Steps

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F, and spray a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Unroll pie crust to make mini pie shells. Using a 3 1/2 - 4-inch round cutter, cut about 12-14 circles. Press into prepared muffin tin.
  3. In a bowl, mix together chopped pecans, corn syrup, eggs, brown sugar, coconut oil, bourbon and salt. Stir to combine.
  4. Fill crust 3/4 of the way with pecan filling. Bake for 20-30 minutes, until filling is cooked and pie crust is golden.
  5. Allow to cool slightly before removing from tin. Serve with your favorite ice cream!