Derby de Mayo!

Two of my favorite celebrations are Kentucky Derby (May 2nd) and Cinco de Mayo (May 5th)! Why not combine the two and have a great DERBY DE MAYO Party!

Big opulent hats are a Derby tradition and why not replace with festive sombreros to mix things up! Below are some great traditional recipes affiliated with both.

Baby Hot Browns
Entertaining with Bluegrass Winners Cookbook

Hot Browns are a delicious Kentucky staple! My friend served these at her wedding reception last summer in Lexington.

(Makes 24 individual pieces)
1 loaf Pepperidge Farm thin sliced white bread
1 Tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 teaspoon chicken base
1/4 cup hot water
3/4 cup whole milk
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
6 oz thinly sliced turkey breast
8 cherry tomatoes, chopped
6 pieces bacon (can substitute with turkey bacon)
2 mini muffin tins

Directions
*Preheat oven to 350 degrees
*Use a 2 3/4 inch round cookie cutter to cut circles from 24 slices of bread. Flatten with rolling pin.
*Spray the cups of mini muffin tins with cooking oil
*Brush top side of bread rounds with melted butter and gently press into muffin tin cups.
*Bake bread in tin at 350 degrees for 10 minutes
*Dissolve chicken base in the water and add the milk.
*Melt the 2 Tablespoons of butter in sauce pan and add flour, stirring with whisk until blended.
*Add Worcestershire sauce and cheeses and stir until smooth.
*Chop sliced turkey into small pieces and placde in bottom of each bread cup.
*Add chopped tomatoes, cheese sauce and top with bacon crumbles.
**For the Mexican twist add some chopped green chilies to each cup.
*Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.

Mint Julep Spritzer
For a fun touch, serve these in margarita glasses!
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2/3 cup sugar
1 cup fresh mint leaves
1 cup bourbon
2 10-bottles of chilled club soda
6 cups ice
8 fresh mint sprigs


Directions
Mix fresh lemon juice, sugar, and fresh mint leaves in small bowl until sugar dissolves; press on mint with back of spoon to crush lightly. Let stand 30 minutes. Strain mint and lemon mixture into pitcher. Mix in bourbon, then club soda and ice. Pour into 8 tall glasses. Garnish each drink with mint sprig.

Mexican Tapenade
Entertaining with Bluegrass Winners Cookbook
Serves 15 to 20
3 cans (3.5 oz)chopped ripe black olives
3 cans (14.5 oz) cans whole tomatoes, drained, seeded and chopped
3 cans (4 oz.) chopped green chilies, drained
8 scallions chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
Salt to taste

Directions
*Make day ahead
*Combine ingredients, stirring well with spoon and chill overnight
*Mixture might need to be drained before serving with good quality tortilla chips or toasted bread rounds.