RUN FOR THE ROSES - KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY

Derby day has always been special to me and my family, and we celebrate it with style every year.  We just have to have our favorite traditional Derby recipes and lots of mint juleps and icy lemonade for the little ones!  And if you have a colorful Kentucky Derby hat or fascinator to wear - all the better!  Picking our favorite horses and jockeys, some friendly wagering, it's all fun!  

KENTUCKY HOT BROWN SLIDERS

​My family loves hot Kentucky Hot Brown's at Kentucky Derby time, but the taste combo is so good that I wanted to come up with a slider version.  And you know what?  These are just the perfect little slider!  I've made these more times than I can count, and I keep getting requests to make them again!

​One of my summertime tricks is to roast a fresh turkey breast and use it for a variety of meals - a roast turkey dinner, in salads or in wraps.  Thick slices of fresh roasted turkey breast are just a natural part of easy and delicious, and the fresh ingredients, melted Swiss cheese and Caramelqued Bacon just take these to the next level!

DERBY CHEESECAKE

We're still getting ready for the Kentucky Derby, and this unbelievable Derby Cheesecake is the frontrunner to win the race!  ​For our derby party, everyone is expecting a Derby Pie, so this is my last-minute secret entry. This was the initial outing for this long-shot, but all bets were on for a creamy, rich vanilla bean cheesecake, loaded up with two layers of salted caramel and pecans.  And it didn't disappoint!

CLASSIC CHICKEN SALAD WRAPS

Fabulous and fresh Classic Chicken Salad with Grapes is ALWAYS a huge hit - whether you put this in a tortilla wrap or sandwich, scoop it onto crisp green garden greens, or serve in pretty little finger sandwiches for a derby party, garden teas, baby or bridal showers. 

Chicken Salad Wraps have always been a favorite - served whole in a fresh herb tortilla or sliced up and served as appetizers.  SO GOOD!

LAVENDER MINT JULEP

From the time that I was a little girl, I have loved everything about horses and horse racing.  Beginning with the Kentucky Derby each year, the fun is listening to the background stories and picking out our favorite horses, jockeys and owners, and then HOPEFULLY watching our favorite horse ride to triple crown glory!  My Kelsey still loves to watch all of the races with me, and we try to make an afternoon of it with pretty drinks to sip on and our favorite Derby food.  

​One of our favorite drinks to sip on are these beautiful Lavender Mint Juleps.  With just a touch of vanilla and hint of enchanting lavender fragrance from a simple lavender syrup, these are perfect for Kentucky Derby, Belmont or Preakness parties...the perfect springtime drink, and almost too pretty to drink! ​

BROWN SUGAR DERBY PECANS

Have you ever had a bite of something that was so different, so special, or so addictive that you just can't stop?  Let me introduce you to Brown Sugar Derby Pecans - sure to be your new favorite friend!

​If you love pecans, roasted and glazed with the most perfect browned butter and brown sugar, you are going to LOVE these!  Just a touch of vanilla and a hint of fresh rosemary make these perfect for Kentucky Derby parties, or just for something special to munch on with a tall summer drink...

MAGNOLIA MERINGUE COOKIES

We’ve been making Angel Meringue Cookies for decades, and through the years, love creating all kinds of flavors and combinations.  For a very treat, Magnolia Meringue Cookies are just the sweetest, prettiest treat! 

These are perfect for derby parties, baby and bridal showers, and so fun for a Mother's Day celebration!

FOR EVEN MORE DERBY FAVORITES, CLICK HERE!