Kentucky Derby Party

And they’re off! Together these words start what has come to be known as the most exciting two minutes in sports. Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 will mark the 135th “run for the roses”. The Kentucky Derby is the perfect time to gather family and friends for some fun. Host a party but keep it simple by inviting guests over to enjoy the race and a cocktail, 2 hours is perfect. Make it special by serving Mint Juleps, the mandatory Derby cocktail and some traditional Derby snacks. Encourage your guests to don a hat, it will add to the fun and festivity. Check out our tips below and this one is a no-brainer for an exciting and enjoyable afternoon!

When to Watch:
Coverage of the race begins on Saturday, May 2, 2009 on NBC Television at 5 PM ET with post time approx. 6:04 PM. ET.

The race itself will be part of a three-hour show from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. EST Saturday, May 2 airing on the NBC network, but Derby segments can be seen on the Today show. The show will air live from Churchill Downs Friday, May 1, and on Derby Day. Also, the network’s Access Hollywood show will air Kentucky Derby-related segments in the week leading up to the race.

The NBC-owned Bravo network checks in with promos for the race featuring personalities from its Real Housewives and Top Chef shows all week as well. In addition, CNBC will air its documentary “Run for the Roses: The Kentucky Derby and the Business of Horse Racing” Thursday, April 30 at 9 p.m. EST with a repeat at 1 a.m. and additional airings Saturday, May 2–Monday, May 4. Bravo will televise the Kentucky Oaks from 5 p.m.-6 p.m. EST.

Cocktail:

Early Times Mint Julep
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
Sprigs of fresh mint
Crushed ice
Early Times Kentucky Whisky
Silver Julep Cups

Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight. Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of Early Times Kentucky Whisky. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Derby Snack:

Benedictine Sandwich

2 pkg. cream cheese (3 oz. size)
Grated pulp of 1 med. peeled cucumber
1 sm. grated onion
1/4 tsp. salt
Mayonnaise
2-3 drops green food coloring
Dash of Tabasco
1 loaf Pepperidge Farm thin white bread

Mash the cheese with a fork. Work into them the cucumber pulp, first extracting the juice by placing the pulp in a napkin and squeezing it fairly dry.

Add the onion, Tabasco, salt and enough mayonnaise to make a smooth filling, easily spread. Last of all, add the green food coloring – just enough to give a faint green tinge, for too much will look unappetizing.

Cut the crusts off bread and cut each slice into fourths. Spread with Benedictine Spread. Yield: 50 servings.

Recipe Credit: http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1744,149173-237203,00.html

Derby Dessert:

Order up a Derby Pie to be delivered to your party. A True Kentucky favorite. Derby-Pie® has been a southern tradition for more than 40 years and is made from a secret family recipe. Learn more>

Flowers:

The Kentucky Derby is also known as the “run for the roses”, therefore roses will make a perfect choice for a small arrangement for your party. If you buy a dozen you can make up a few small arrangements. Use a silver cup or vase if you have it.

Invitations:
Create your own online invitaiton: Go