Tag Archives: Derby Party Menu

*Definitely Not Derby Pie* – Chocolate Walnut Pie

Posted on by April 27, 2015

When I began my research for *Definitely Not Derby Pie* – Chocolate Walnut Pie, I found out that the name is protected fiercely by the Kern family and the Melrose Inn- the creators. It’s kind of funny to me because the pie is pretty simple. It’s basically a chocolate chip cookie with walnuts in pie form. But it’s really good, and they are credited with inventing it, so I guess I get it. Then I read a lot of recipes, or in this case, many best guesses as to what’s in the real thing. Since there isn’t one official recipe due to the creator’s protective nature, there are plenty of variations out there. You can change the nuts. Add caramel or butterscotch. Make the crust. Buy the crust. You should probably add bourbon. In my case, I took a lot of these suggestions to heart, and then added more bourbon. After all my research, I’m inspired to take a trip to the Melrose Inn. I promise to report back with my suspicions as to what’s in the original. In the meantime, you’re stuck with my idea about what will be the tastiest and voila! *Definitely Not Derby Pie* – Chocolate … Continue reading →

Chilled Peach Soup

Posted on by April 27, 2015

This Chilled Peach Soup recipe is based on an appetizer I used to have at the Inn at Kristofer’s in Sister Bay, Wisconsin. The restaurant was one of my early exposures to fine dining. I’ve modified it a little to suit my taste, but it’s basically the same as what they used to serve in a martini glass. Of course, at the time, I thought this was the absolute height of sophistication. Even if you’re serving it in little plastic cups (I found square ones to dress it up a bit) you’ll find this is a great recipe for a large group. I tripled the recipe (and left it at one bottle of champagne) since I was cooking for a party of 30 and using it as an appetizer, but the quantity written here is the right amount for 4 – 6 people as a first course. Chilled Peach Soup cried out to be included on the Derby Party Menu and indeed it was perfect for a hot day celebrating a Southern tradition. As an extra reminder, this recipe is of course, best in late July and August when you have fresh local peaches, but it works quite well with frozen … Continue reading →

Watermelon Radish Tea Sandwiches with Mint Butter

Posted on by April 27, 2015

Watermelon Radish Tea Sandwiches with Mint Butter are perfect for afternoon tea with the ladies or an afternoon cocktail party leading up to the races. They definitely make my list for must have dishes at a Derby Party. Not only are tea sandwiches a Derby tradition, but these Watermelon Radish Tea Sandwiches with Mint Butter are both extra gorgeous and extra delicious. I love the color and texture the watermelon radishes provide- they’re so beautiful and it’s just about this time of year that it starts getting easy to find them at farmer’s markets and specialty produce stands. Using Mint Butter as the spread on the bread makes them decadent, delicious, and bright in flavor as well as a nice complement to all the Mint Juleps you’ll be downing to slake your thirst and calm your gambling frayed nerves. Using the cocktail rye bread that’s already tiny (each slice is about 2 inches square) and pre-sliced makes this easy as (Definitely Not Derby) Pie. Serve these Watermelon Radish Tea Sandwiches with Mint Butter with the Cucumber Tea Sandwiches for a beautiful display and a nice contrast in flavor and you have place your own personal bet on which will disappear first. … Continue reading →

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches with Spinach Basil Mascarpone

Posted on by April 27, 2015

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches with Spinach Basil Mascarpone are sliced, stacked and ready to be enjoyed, because one type of tea sandwich just isn’t enough for my Kentucky Derby Party! These Cucumber Tea Sandwiches with Spinach Basil Mascarpone are cool and refreshing and a nice contrast to the slightly spicy Radish and Mint Butter Tea Sandwich. The cocktail rye bread makes them easy to prepare, and they turn out the perfect size without you having to remove their crusts. Removing the crust for tea sandwiches that always makes me feel guilty, probably a good thing, it is wasteful after all, but it does make for perfect little sandwiches that feel really special and rather dainty all at the same time. Make sure you taste one assembled before you make the whole batch, you may like to adjust the salt level or add a bit more basil, etc. to make these Cucumber Tea Sandwiches with Spinach Basil Mascarpone perfect for you. I like to stack them tall in squares on smaller plates and replenish them often. Again, there’s something about the small plates piled high with Cucumber Tea Sandwiches with Spinach Basil Mascarpone that makes the feel indulgent and elegant. … Continue reading →