Derby Day

Anticipation builds - feet shuffle in the betting lines, jockeys slip into colorful silks.  A few minutes later a bell rings and they’re off!  The next 120 seconds are known as the two most exciting minutes in sports.  May 3rd will be the 134th annual Kentucky Derby. Steeped in tradition, the Derby is a great excuse to get together with friends, great food, and fun.   So put on a hat, have a mint julep and enjoy the day with great recipes and ideas from Creekstone Farms Premium Beef. 

The Kentucky Derby is steeped in tradition, heritage and pageantry.  The first race was in 1875 and 125 years later no race is more coveted by those in the horse racing industry.  The parties given surrounding this event are no less than legendary.  Festivities in Louisville start two weeks prior to the Derby and it is a community wide celebration including balloon races, parades, steamboat races, and world class firework displays.  Derby traditions include promenading the in the latest Spring fashion and hats, socializing with friends, strolling beautiful gardens or viewing the horses in the paddock.

If you can’t go to Louisville for the race, you don’t have to watch it alone.  A Derby house party is a great way to entertain.   Celebrate this fun event with great friends and some terrific regional foods that are synonymous with Derby entertaining.  Whether your party is refined & elegant or casual & rowdy, make it a day to remember!

In the infield…what to serve
Kentucky is home to gracious entertaining and there are a slew of recipes available for a Derby party.  Chef Brian O’Donohoe, Executive Chef of Primehouse New York shared with us his favorite recipes for a Derby crowd. 

Grilled Shrimp with Southern Comfort BBQ Sauce / Mango Water Cress Salad

Creekstone Farms Braised Short Ribs, Roasted Garlic & Apple Mashed Potato

Jack Daniel’s Pecan Bourbon Tarts with Brown Butter Ice Cream

Brown Butter Ice Cream

Of course, no Kentucky Derby party would be complete without the mint julep.  To find a great recipe for the perfect Mint Julep, we consulted Eben Klemm, senior manager of Wine and Spirits at B.R. Guest Restaurants.  “The classic mint julep is not a cocktail you really want to have to make for too many guests – way too much muddling.  A whiskey julep punch would be fantastic.” 
Whiskey Julep Punch

Setting the Pace
A Kentucky Derby party can be anything from elegant setting of fine china and silver to a totally casual affair.  Here are some ideas to make this a party to remember:

• Brush up on Derby Lingo and send invitations with racetrack language – post time for starting time, program for menu, track location for address, silks for dress code, etc.
• Ask everybody to wear a hat and have a contest for the best one.
• Red is the color of choice.  Decorate with red roses, rose petals, balloons, and brightly colored materials reminiscent of the bright jersey silks of the Derby.
• Cake molds of horseshoes or hot air balloons.
• Give your guests party favors such as official derby glasses, Kentucky Derby posters, small baskets of Homemade Kentucky goodies, or Bourbon Ball candies.

Better’s Choice – Activities
Although running a betting pool at your party might be illegal and risky after a few cups of Mint Julep punch, there are numerous ways to incorporate the excitement of the day.  Provide all of your guests with a current Daily racing Form and set up your own betting pool.  Write the name of each Derby horse on a piece of paper, put an asking price for each slip ($1-$2) and just run a simple winner -take-all contest.  Or you can make the stakes higher and donate the proceeds to the winner’s favorite charity.  If you don’t like the idea of betting, gather up some Derby trivia and have a contest to see who knows the most.

There is nothing that can beat eating great food, hanging out with friends, and celebrating a time honored sporting event. On the first Saturday in May, a race will be run, a winner will emerge, and another Kentucky Derby will have come and gone and you will have been a part of that revered 134 year old tradition.