re: Ideas for a Kentucky Derby party?

quote:

---

The wife and I are hosting a Kentucky Derby party

---

wife and i host a derby party every year; one of my favorites of the annual parties we do.

we've made bourbon balls a few times, as well as a bourbon pecan pie that was a big hit. this year, i think we are attempting these: bourbon chocolate chip cookies.

we, of course, do mint juleps--have a bed of mint growing in the backyard, and we make our own mint infused simple syrup.

as someone else noted, you can do a cinco de mayo food theme--we've done that several times given the close proximity of events. this year, i think i'm throwing a pork shoulder in the slow cooker...i'll dump a bunch of corn tortillas and condiments on the counter. people can serve themselves at their leisure, and i can easily freeze the leftovers (because, as you point out, the afternoon event may not generate strong appetites).

if you are looking for something to generate interest for the actual race, we always put all the horse names in a bucket. right before the race, we have everyone draw a name. we usually have prize baskets for the first and second place finishers...this year, i ordered some stuff from Makers Mark to stuff in the prize bags.