Let's celebrate the Kentucky Derby with what's in season - mint and chives!

Let’s celebrate the Kentucky Derby this week. I always love a theme! But before we dive into the party, let’s talk about the healthful benefits of mint and chives.

Mint is actually full of antioxidants and vitamins. It is helpful with digestive issues such as gas, upset stomach and fixing bad breath. Mint can also help improve blood circulation and increase metabolism. Fresh mint added to boiling water for a pure tea is excellent in the evening. And during the daytime, don’t forget to give your iced tea a lift with this refreshing herb. 

Chives are delicious and nutritious. Loaded with vitamin A and helpful in reducing inflammation, chives have lots of benefits. Read more about it here!

Ok, NOW back to the party! I lived in Kentucky for only a year and the Derby got into my blood. Everyone in Kentucky celebrates the Derby! Even if you are not a horse racing fan, there’s plenty of food tradition to get you excited. The Kentucky Derby is the perfect excuse to host (even if just for yourself) an outside dinner party (you needed to clean off the porch anyway). So ladies, put on your Fascinator and gents your chapeau. Join the choir for the first verse of “My Old Kentucky Home”, raise your Mint Julep and let that trumpet blast fill you with excitement. The horses are off to the races and we’re off to relax and enjoy some southern food. 

Let’s start with the Mint Julep. After years of trying, I still don’t enjoy drinking Bourbon. I do however love to cook with it. I love the idea of sipping out of a frosty silver goblet garnished with fresh mint, but I need to fill mine with the mocktail version - pineapple juice and ginger ale. It’s more refreshing to me and I get to keep the giant sprig of mint that brushes against your cheek with every sip. This version is called the Black Eyed Susan. 

Now, it wouldn’t be a Southern gathering without some Pimento Cheese. I buy the Palmetto brand and spread it on crackers. Nothing goes better with a Mint Julep of Black Eyed Susan!  Another popular Derby spread is the Benedictine Spread, made with chives and cucumbers. Its beautiful green appearance feels like Spring and is served in the center of a giant platter of vegetables. What’s not to love? Deviled Eggs are also a popular way to round out the cocktail portion of the party.

If you’re trying to bring Kentucky to Pennsylvania, you must make the Kentucky Hot Brown for the mail course. It’s an open face turkey sandwich with bacon, a slice of tomato and gravy, created by the chef at the Brown Hotel in Louisville for a patron who overindulged at the bar. This dish is also commonly made into sliders to serve a crowd. All of these recipes can be found here! 

Pecan Pie is the logical dessert in my mind. But instead of the dreadful corn syrup commonly used, I make mine with maple syrup. It’s even better with Pennsylvania maple syrup in my opinion. Enjoy this easy recipe here!

 I'm also sharing this link to "Derby at Home". Pick up all of the “supplies” you’ll need to throw yourself a fun little impromptu (yes, I consider three days in advance still impromptu) party. Invite the neighbors you’ve been meaning to chat with for a while. Dress up or stay casual. A party is all about the food and the attitude (rhyming unintentional, but still fun, I think I might make that a bumper sticker). Enjoy! See you at the Doylestown Farmers Market on Saturday from 8am to 1pm!