Talk Derby to Me

Updated April 24, 2008
Jennifer Davick

Wear your best hat and dine like a champion at your own Derby-themed extravaganza.

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Classic Mint Julep

Classic Mint Julep Recipe

No Derby party is complete without its signature cocktail. Fresh mint, simple syrup, ice, and, of course, bourbon combine to make a refreshing beverage perfect for ushering in summer.

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Derby Cheese Hat

Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas; Styling: Buffy Hargett

Derby Cheese Hat Recipe

Derby celebrations are as much about the hats as the horses, so make sure to include this clever and easy cheese hat on your Derby party table.

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Kentucky Hot Brown Tart

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Buffy Hargett

Kentucky Hot Brown Tart Recipe

Turn a traditional hot brown sandwich into a main dish tart by layering the turkey, bacon and cheese in a flaky pie crust and topping with tomato slices.

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Toast to the Derby

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Toast to the Derby Menu

The fastest two minutes in sports leaves plenty of time for ham biscuits, bourbon truffles, and flavorful juleps. Hats off to this Millionaires Row-worthy menu.

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The Classic Hot Brown

Credit: BECKY LUIGART-STAYNER

The Classic Hot Brown Recipe

In horse-racing jargon, a "banker" is a horse all but guaranteed to win. If there was an office pool for sandwiches, this would be our sure-bet. Serve this all-time Kentucky favorite to guests who want to experience a taste of tradition from Churchill Downs

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Kentucky Bibb Salad with Fried Green Tomatoes

Kentucky Bibb Salad with Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe

Add Southern flavor to your buffet by serving deliciously tart fried green tomatoes topped with diced bell peppers and a fragrant rose vinaigrette.

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Hat Cookies

Hat Cookies Recipe

Pay homage to the classic Derby dress code and bake these fashionable treats. Host a hat cookie decorating contest and give the winner a dozen pre-made cookies to take home.

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Mint Julep Iced Tea

Mint Julep Iced Tea Recipe

Make a minty sweet tea version of the mint julep. Crush the mint with the back of a wooden spoon to release its flavor, then serve over ice with slices of lemons and limes.

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Chocolate-Bourbon Pecan Pie

Credit: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Karin Olsen

Chocolate-Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe

Serve a rich and creamy pie packed with pecans, chocolate morsels, brown sugar, and bourbon. The recipe calls for packaged piecrusts, so it's an easy dessert to put together on the morning of the event.

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Bacon and Cheddar Tea Sandwiches

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Bacon and Cheddar Tea Sandwiches Recipe

Encourage guests to hoist their pinkies in the air for these decadent, hardy tea sandwiches. Crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, and a hint of hot sauce add robust flavor, so they're perfect for high tea or cocktail hour.

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Teapot Cake

Teapot Cake Recipe

Because nothing says "Southern Indulgence" more than a teapot made entirely of cake, food-coloring, and fondant, display this over-the-top dessert as an edible centerpiece. Fondant is a malleable icing, so if you're feeling ambitious, make extra and craft horses for decoration in place of the butterflies.

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Derby Truffles

Credit: Jennifer Davick

Derby Truffles Recipe

These make-ahead gems are easy enough for casual get-togethers and fancy enough for special occasions.

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