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Top 10 Kentucky Recipes for a Derby Celebration

By , About.com Guide

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Here are some of my picks for a Derby Day celebration, including some great Kentucky favorites and traditional recipes.

1. Kentucky Mint Julep

Mint Julep in Derby GlassImage © Diana Rattray
It wouldn't be much of a Derby celebration without frosty ice-cold mint juleps with Kentucky bourbon and fresh mint leaves.
Recipe: Kentucky Mint Julep

2. The Hot Brown

Kentucky Hot BrownImage © Diana Rattray
These delicious open-faced turkey sandwiches are a Kentucky tradition. Serve them with a wilted spinach salad, chips, fries, or a light soup.
Recipe: Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches

3. Easy Chocolate Bourbon Truffles

Easy Chocolate Bourbon TrufflesImage © Diana Rattray
Sweetened condensed milk make these truffles quick and easy to prepare, and they can be made with a little more bourbon and less vanilla, if desired.
Recipe: Easy Chocolate Bourbon Truffles

4. Kentucky Jam Cake

Kentucky Jam CakeImage © Diana Rattray
This delicious Kentucky cake is a spice cake made with the addition of blackberry jam and a cooked caramel frosting or cream cheese frosting.
Recipe: Kentucky Jam Cake

5. Chocolate - Pecan Pie with Bourbon Whipped Cream

Kentucky chocolate chip pieD. Rattray
Chocolate chip and pecan pies are a Louisville area favorite, especially around Kentucky Derby time. Serve this delicious pie with a dollop of Bourbon Whipped Cream or your favorite ice cream, and enjoy the races!
Recipe: Chocolate - Pecan Pie with Bourbon Whipped Cream

6. Garlic Cheese Grits

Garlic Cheese GritsImage © Diana Rattray
Cheese grits are a favorite in Kentucky, as they are throughout the South.
Recipe: Garlic Cheese Grits

7. Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Henry Bain Sauce

Henry Bain was the Head Waiter at Louisville's Pendennis Club. He created this sauce which became a Derby & year round Louisville favorite with beef. This tenderloin recipe was shared by Nick Sundberg, a Kentucky Chef.

8. Benedictine Dip or Spread

This spread can be used as a dip or a sandwich & canape ingredient. It was made popular at Louisville's Benedict's restaurant earlier in this century.

9. Kentucky Creamed Ham

Serve this tasty creamed ham over split biscuits, rice, grits, or in puff pastry shells.

10. Bourbon Pecan Cake

Kentucky bourbon makes this flavorful pecan cake spirited! Dust this tube cake with confectioners' sugar or make a vanilla glaze.

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