Recipe: Brown Sugar + Brown Butter Derby Pecans

These delectable pecans are wonderful for any party or gathering where drinks are served. Made with browned butter and brown sugar, they are a wonderful compliment to bourbon-based cocktails, such as the Mint Julep.  Long after the Kentucky Derby is over, you can make these nuts and package them in mason jars for edible gifts!

Brown Sugar + Brown Butter Derby Pecans

• 10 oz of halved pecans
• 4 tbsp of butter
• 4 tbsp of brown sugar
• Rosemary chopped and leaves for garnishing
• Sea salt

Preheat the oven to 250. Spread the pecan halves on a large baking sheet.  Bake them for 15 minutes.  

When there are 5 minutes to go, brown your butter.  Cook butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once butter is melted it will foam up a bit, then subside. Keep stirring, a few minutes later the butter will be light brown and then will turn into a deeper brown color, you should be smelling the butter at this point.  Takes about 2-4 minutes. Remove pan from heat immediately.  

Take pecans out of oven and put into saucepan, add brown sugar and rosemary, stir.  Once incorporated, arrange pecans back onto baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Take out of oven and sprinkle with sea salt.  Serve warm or store in an airtight container for a future party.  

DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE RECIPE PDF >

Recipe Roundup : Traditional Kentucky Derby Fare

We've rounded up traditional Kentucky Derby fare and a few variations that break from tradition as well!  From small bites to hearty stews (and of course a cocktail) these recipes make a great spread for your Kentucky Derby gathering or for any occasion.

Miniature 'Hot Browns" made famous by The Brown Hotel in Louisville.

Kentucky's most famous stew, Burgoo is a hearty meat lovers dream!

This version of Derby pie replaces pecans with walnuts for a delicious twist.

Fluffy cream cheese biscuits are a great option for impromptu sandwich making.

This recipe for the traditional mint julep can be made ahead of time, as the ingredients steep for 3 days!

These dainty shortbread cookies are infused with the flavors of mint and bourbon.

Free Printable : Kentucky Derby Fun Facts

Perfect for displaying at your Kentucky Derby Party and full of fun facts about the race, this free printable is sure to be a conversation starter.  We've sized it at 8x10" for easy framing.  Print and enjoy!  DOWNLOAD FREE PRINTABLE PDF HERE >

Derby Days: The Belmont Stakes

The Belmont Stakes is the third leg of the Triple Crown. Every major champion in racing history has competed on this race track. The Kentucky Derby and Preakness are staples of Southern tradition, but The Belmont is a true New York affair!

Until 1997, the traditional song was “Sidewalks of New York”, but was changed to “New York, New York”, thought to be more familiar to a larger, younger audience. Not only was the song changed, the official drink was changed from the White Carnation to the Belmont Breeze, based on a colonial recipe of whiskey punch. The traditional trophy hasn’t changed. A Tiffany made, silver bowl donated by the Belmont family is still presented at the winner’s circle, along with a horse blanket made of white carnations.

THE HAT

"Bianca" Hat from Christine A. Moore Millinery - The Official Milliner of The Breeder's Cup! CLICK HERE to visit Christine's website and view her stunning collection of extraordinary race day hats!

THE COCKTAIL

The Belmont Breeze

• 1 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey
• 1/2 ounce Dry Sack Medium Dry Sherry
• 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• Splash of orange juice
• Splash of cranberry juice
• 5 mint leaves
• 1 mint sprig
• 1 orange zest

1. Shake all ingredients with ice.
2. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
3. Garnish with fresh mint sprig and orange peel.

Derby Days: The Preakness

Steeped in tradition, The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of The Triple Crown.  First run in 1873, this storied race has been run every year since 1909 at Baltimore's Pimlico Race Course.    

Baltimore is a food lover's paradise, and, being on The Chesapeake Bay, crab is abundant!  Our Preakness celebrations always include Maryland Blue Crab Dip.  Our favorite recipe is adapted from The Brown-Eyed Baker.  If available, use fresh backfin Maryland Blue crab!  

THE HAT

"Bianca" Hat from Christine A. Moore Millinery - The Official Milliner of The Breeder's Cup! CLICK HERE to visit Christine's website and view her stunning collection of extraordinary race day hats!

THE COCKTAIL

The blanket of Black-Eyed Susan's that adorns the winner's neck is the inspiration for the official race-day cocktail, The Black Eyed Susan. The drink, unlike the flower, is always in season!

Black Eyed Susan

(the official cocktail of The Preakness)

• 1/2 to 3/4 cup crushed ice

• 1 ounce vodka

• 1 ounce light rum

• 1/2 ounce Triple Sec

• 2 ounces unsweetened pineapple juice

• 2 ounces orange juice

• Lime slice and pitted sweet dark cherry (we love these Woodford Cherries)

Place desired amount of ice in a rocks glass. Pour vodka, rum, Triple Sec and juices into glass. Stir; serve with a lime slice and cherry.