Derby Weekend
at the Table

♥

Last year was my first Kentucky Derby party and I absolutely loved every minute of it. The hats, the energy, the mint juleps, the sheer joy of watching everyone gather around a race they may or may not fully understand. The outfits alone are worth the afternoon.

"We walked away winning $700 from the bets. Seven hundred dollars. Beginner's luck at its finest and I am absolutely taking credit for it."

This year we were invited back but we will be out of town, which is truly a shame. So I am bringing the Derby to my own kitchen instead.

And what goes better together than a mint julep and a key lime pie? Both green, both refreshing, both guaranteed to make people happy. Consider this my contribution to your Derby party even if I cannot be there myself.

♥The Dessert

Made from scratch

My Key Lime Pie

Tart, creamy, and impossibly good.

Prep20 min

Bake25 min

Serves8

Crust

1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
⅓ cup sugar
6 tbsp melted butter

Filling

4 egg yolks
Key lime zest — a generous amount
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
½ cup fresh key lime juice

Topping

Fresh whipped cream
Extra key lime zest for garnish

Instructions

Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into pie dish. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Whisk egg yolks and lime zest together for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add condensed milk and whisk until combined. Add fresh lime juice last and whisk again.
Pour filling into the warm crust and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Top with fresh whipped cream and a little lime zest just before serving.

Inspired by Ina Garten. The key lime zest is non-negotiable — be generous with it.

♥The Drink

The Derby Classic

The Mint Julep

The only drink that belongs in your hand on the first Saturday in May.

Prep5 min

Serves1

DifficultyEasy

Ingredients

2 oz good bourbon — Woodford Reserve or Maker's Mark
8 to 10 fresh mint leaves
½ oz simple syrup (try vanilla bean for depth)
Crushed or pebble ice — non-negotiable
Fresh mint sprig for garnish

Instructions

Gently muddle mint and simple syrup in a chilled julep cup. Be gentle — over-muddling makes the mint bitter.
Add bourbon and stir briefly to combine.
Fill the cup completely with crushed ice and stir slowly until the outside gets frosty.
Top with more crushed ice and garnish with a generous mint bouquet.

For good taste, always

Slap the mint sprig against your palm before garnishing to release the oils
Use pebble or crushed ice only, never cubed
A tiny splash of vanilla bean simple syrup adds a depth that people will ask about
Always serve in silver cups for that East Hampton meets Kentucky Derby feel

♥What I Use

The tools worth having

Mint Julep Cup Kit

Silver stainless, properly weighted, comes with the muddler, straws, spoon, and recipe cards. Everything you need in one beautiful kit.

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Glass Pie Dish

The dish I use for this key lime pie every time. The fluted sides are beautiful, it goes straight from oven to table, and you can see every gorgeous layer.