Tim and Lori Laird are Food & Dining Magazine’s officially designated Entertaining Editors-at-Large, co-writers of our “Easy Entertaining” column.
Brunch, the best of breakfast and lunch combined, makes for a great party. It can be celebrated any time for any occasion, but Derby Day seems the quintessential reason for brunch. Bring together local friends and out-of-town guests for a mid-morning meal before going to the track. Everyone can mingle and trade their best betting tips, tell tales about past races and compliment each other’s hats. Fortified with good food, a few modest drinks to start the day and plenty of good cheer, it’s off to the races!
Derby Day Brunch can be easy and affordable and can be adapted for a small, intimate group or a large party. It also gives you the perfect opportunity to bring out all your Derby-themed party gear — invitations styled to look like parimutuel tickets, your Derby glasses collection, horseshoe-shaped serving trays, jockey silk coasters, and fresh red roses.
For brunches, we like to set up a Bloody Mary Station, and for Derby Day Brunch, we like to serve Bourbon as the spirit of choice (but you can offer vodka, too, for traditionalists, or tequila for those who like Bloody Marias). Your guests can build their own with a selection of flavors and spices. Country ham is fashionable at a Derby Party, and the pâté we suggest is a way to incorporate it into the menu with a minimum of expense. Easy Hollandaise sauce goes with our crab cakes with poached eggs. Brunch mushrooms is a recipe that has been a family favorite for years. Poached salmon is always a hit and can be made the day before and served at room temperature. Our easy make-ahead dessert is a frozen lemon-lime mousse, a refreshing end to a decadent meal.
Enjoy your brunch with a few close friends or turn it into an open house with a buffet.The options are endless.
(Originally published in the Spring 2015 issue of Food & Dining)
Bloody Mary Station
Set out a pitcher of basic tomato juice or Bloody Mary mix, along with Bourbon (or vodka) and any or all of these garnishes:
Horseradish
Steak sauce
Finely grated Parmesan or blue cheese
Celery ribs, trimmed to fit glasses
Celery salt
Pickled mushrooms
Pickled asparagus spears
Pickled string beans
Pickled...Read more
