The Kentucky Derby is celebrating 140 years, and we've got a sneak peek at the official menu.
While we can't wait to see all the star sightings at this year's horse race, we couldn't help but wonder what people will be eating during the festivities.
Executive Chef David Danielson will be joined by guest chef and former Top Chef contestant, Edward Lee in the kitchen, where they will whip up some delicious Derby eats, including a seared beef tenderloin served with bacon wrapped asparagus and tabasco hollandaise. Um, yum.
Even though you may not be in Kentucky this weekend, you can still make these winning dishes at home. Try this strawberry snap pea salad recipe made by Chef Danielson that will surely be a hit at the Derby.
Strawberry Snap Pea Salad (Serves 6 to 8 people)
Ingredients:
1 pound fresh sugar snap peas cleaned
2 quarts fresh strawberries
1 English cucumber
1 red onion
1 cup white balsamic vinegar reduction
2 ounces crumbled ricotta salata
Ice water
Directions:
Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Blanch fresh snap peas for 1-2 minutes until bright green, then immediately place in ice bath to stop the cooking process. The peas should still have a crisp bite.
With a small knife remove the green caps from the strawberries and cut in quarters from top to bottom. Dice the cucumber into small bite sized cubes and set aside. Peel and slice red onion into long thin strips from end to end and reserve.
In a medium sized mixing bowl combine all ingredients except the ricotta salata. Place dressed ingredients on your favorite salad bowl or plate and garnish with the crumbled cheese and serve chilled for best flavors.
And of course what would the Kentucky Derby be without delicious cocktails?
One of the official Kentucky Oaks cocktails is called the Grey Goose Oaks Lily. All proceeds from these drinks benefit Bright Pink, a national non-profit organization focused on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer.
Grey Goose Oaks Lily (Serves 1)
1 oz. Grey Goose vodka
1 oz. Sweet and sour mix
3 oz. Cranberry juice
Splash of triple sec
Directions:
Once the ingredients are mixed, place the Grey Goose Oaks Lily in a tall glass with crushed ice, add a straw and garnish with an orange wedge and cherry.
The Mint Julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. Here's a fun fact for you: Each year over 127,000 of these refreshing cocktails are served during Derby weekend. Traditionally served in a commemorative Kentucky Derby glass, this drink is a classic.
Kentucky Derby Mint Julep (Serves 6-8 people)
2 cups of sugar
2 cups of water
16 ounces - Kentucky bourbon, 2 oz. per mint julep
Crushed ice
10 sprigs fresh mint
8 mint julep glasses
Directions:
Combine water and sugar in a pot and bring to a boil to make simple syrup. Boil for 5 minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with 2 sprigs of fresh mint and refrigerate overnight.
To make your mint julep, start by filling each mint julep glass with crushed ice. Add 1 tablespoon of the mint flavored simple syrup then 2 ounces of Kentucky Bourbon. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the glass. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. Sip and enjoy!