Bless your Kentucky heart! We know you're feeling down about the postponement of Derby, but maybe this will cheer you up. Executive Chef Eric Metcalf at Hardin Memorial Health pulled together some delectable Derby recipes perfect for the season. Derby is typically for adults, but when #healthyathome you have to opportunity to start a new tradition and get your children in the spirit: Get out your hats, get dressed up, order some red roses (ETown Florist has some gorgeous options) and watch some Kentucky Derby reruns. Linens and serving dishes from the Hardin Memorial Health Auxillary Gift Shop and yummy food photos by Morgan Worley Photography.
Benedictine BLT Tea Sandwiches
INGREDIENTS FOR BENEDICTINE SPREAD
1 Large Cucumber, Peeled, Seeded & Shredded
1 8oz. PKG Cream Cheese, Softened
2 TBSP Minced Green Onion
1 TBSP Good Quality Mayonaisse
Salt and Pepper to Taste
Optional: Green Food Coloring
DIRECTIONS
In a clean, dry cloth or paper towel, squeeze the liquid out of the cucumber and place in a bowl or food processor with all other ingredients and mix thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
FOR THE SANDWICHES
Choose desired bread and lay out slices on your cutting board or work area. Spread one slice with a generous amount of Benedictine and top with thin sliced tomato, crispy bacon and microgreens. Spread a small amount of Benedictine on the top slice and top the sandwich. Trim crusts from edges and cut into quarters, squares or any desired shape. Garnish with ¼ slice of cucumber and a sprig of dill or parsley.
Kentucky Hot Browns
Makes Two Hot Browns
INGREDIENTS
2 oz. Whole Butter
2 oz. All-Purpose Flour
8 oz. Heavy Cream
8 oz. Whole Milk
½ Cup of Pecorino Romano Cheese
1 TBSP Pecorino Romano Cheese for Garnish
¼ Cup grated Parmesan Cheese
Pinch of Ground Nutmeg
Salt and Pepper to Taste
¼ TSP Onion Powder
¼ TSP Garlic Powder
Pinch Ground Cayenne Pepper
14 oz. Sliced Roasted Turkey Breast, Slice Thick
4 Slices of Texas Toast (Crust Trimmed)
4 Slices of Crispy Bacon
1 Large Roma Tomato, Sliced in Quarter Wedges
Paprika
Parsley
DIRECTIONS
In a two-quart saucepan, melt butter and slowly whisk in flour until combined and forms a thick paste (roux). Continue to cook roux for two minutes over medium low heat, stirring frequently. Whisk heavy cream and whole milk into the roux and cook over medium heat until the cream begins to simmer, about 23 minutes. Remove sauce from heat and slowly whisk in Pecorino Romano cheese until the Mornay sauce is smooth. Add nutmeg, Onion & Garlic Powder, Cayenne powder & salt and pepper to taste.
For each Hot Brown, place two slices of toast with the crusts cut off in an oven-safe dish: One slice is cut in half corner to corner to make two triangles and the other slice is left in a square shape. Cover with 7 ounces of turkey. Take the two quarters of Roma tomato and two toast points and set them alongside the base of the turkey and toast. Next, pour half of the Mornay sauce to completely cover the dish. Sprinkle with additional Pecorino Romano cheese. Place the entire dish in the oven. Suggested bake time is 20 minutes at 350º. When the cheese begins to brown and bubble, remove from oven. Cross two pieces of crispy bacon on top, sprinkle with paprika and parsley, and serve immediately.
Easy Derby Chocolate Chip
Walnut Bars or Pie
INGREDIENTS
1 Unbaked Flat Rolled Pie Dough
1 Stick Butter or Margarine
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Chopped Walnuts
1 Cup Chocolate Chips
½ Cup Flour
2 Eggs, Slightly Beaten
1 TSP Vanilla Extract
DIRECTIONS
Lightly spray or grease a 9x9 or similar nonstick pan & press dough into corners of the pan.
Melt and cool the margarine. Mix with sugar, flour, eggs & vanilla. Add nuts & choc. chips -mix well & pour into pie crust. Bake in pre-heated 350 Degree oven, until nicely browned, approx. 30 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cut into 2x2 bars or any shapes desired. The recipe can also be used to make a pie:
Simply replace a pre-made pie dough shell for the sheet dough.
Thanks so much to everyone for reading along with this blog post. We'll be thinking about you as we celebrate Derby with Mint Juleps at my place this week. If you don't already, check us out on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings with Elizabethtown Lifestyle and local community events. Tag us at #elizabethtownlifestyle to share your Derby festivities!
