Top Five Kentucky Derby Recipes 2016

Top Five Kentucky Derby Recipes 2016: Planning a Kentucky Derby viewing party at home is just as exciting as attending Churchill Downs on race day, just in a different setting! Post time for the 142nd Run for the Roses is set for 6:34 p.m. ET so your food and appetizers should reflect a simple, yet elegant evening flair. From mint juleps to pecan pie, your viewing party will be a night to remember with these easy Kentucky Derby recipes.

1. The Mint Julep

Topping of our Top Five Kentucky Derby Recipe list is the classic mint julep. Your guests will enjoy the traditional cocktail while socializing and watching the races prior to the Kentucky Derby. The historical mint julep consists of 2 oz. of Woodford Reserve bourbon, ½ oz. simple syrup, three fresh mint leaves, and crushed ice. Be sure to crush the mint leaves in the bottom of the glass to express the oils before pouring in the simple syrup, bourbon and crushed ice.

2. Authentic Southern Sweet Tea

Charm your Kentucky Derby guests with a cool glass of Southern Sweet Tea! Refreshing and inviting, authentic sweet tea is an item you can easily make ahead of party time. First, simply boil two cups of water. Place six regular teabags and 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda in a large jar or glass-measuring cup. Pour the boiling water over the teabags, cover and let steep for fifteen minutes. Remove the teabags but do not squeeze them. Pout the tea mixture into 2-quart pitcher. Stir in 1-½ cups of sugar and stir to dissolve. Add six cups of cold water. Refrigerate to chill and serve over large ice cubes. Serve the sweet tea in wine glasses to add a little bit of allure and elegance.

3. Cheesy Shrimp and Grits

Cheesy shrimp and grits are a crowd pleaser no matter what the occasion! Easy to serve and easy to eat, your guests will appreciate a belly full of grits after consuming a mint julep or two. To make, bring 3 cups of chicken broth to a boil over medium heat. Add in 1 cup of quick-cooking grits to the boiling broth. Stir the grits until thickened, usually about 5-7 minutes. Stir in ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of pepper, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Set the grits aside while cooking a package of bacon in large skillet. Remove the bacon from the pan and add in 2 pounds of shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire Sauce, 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, 6 chopped green onions and 2 minced garlic cloves. Finely chop the cooked bacon. Serve grits topped with bacon and shrimp in small bowls during your Kentucky Derby party. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese. This dish can be prepared ahead of time and kept warm in a crock-pot during your Kentucky Derby party.

4. Warm Beer and Cheese Dip

The Warm Beer and Cheese Dip will surely be a hit at your Kentucky Derby viewing party. Serve the dip with carrots, celery, tomatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, sliced yellow squash and zucchini. To make the Warm Beer and Cheese Dip, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan. Add in ½ cup of milk and 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Slowly whisk in a dark beer of your liking. The recipe calls for ¾ cup of beer so feel free to drink the rest. Bring the pot to a slow boil and add in 1 teaspoon of dry mustard, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire Sauce, and hot sauce (to taste). Slowly add in handfuls of sharp cheddar cheese, about 12 ounces worth. Salt and pepper to taste.

5. Pecan Pie Tarts

This hot little number can be prepared ahead of your Kentucky Derby Party. Pecan Pie Tarts are popular pick-me-ups after post time. Sweeten up the party atmosphere with tiny individual pecan pie tarts for each of your guests. Our most fantastic secret crust recipe is Pillsbury Pie Crust available in the cold section at your local grocery store. If you must make your pie/tart crust, cream together 1 cup of butter and 6 oz. of cream cheese. Mix in 2 cups of all-purpose flour. Form the dough into balls and press into your tart of cupcake pan. At this time preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Make the Pecan Pie Tart filling by mixing together ¼ cup of butter with 1-1/2 cups of brown sugar. Stir in 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Add in 1-3/4 cups of chopped pecans. Fill each tart tin or cupcake pan halfway with mixture and bake for 25 minutes or until tarts are slightly brown.

Related Links:
Planning the Perfect Kentucky Derby Party at Home
Kentucky Derby Horses 2016: Photo Gallery