If you’re a horse racing fan, Saturday, May 2, has been marked on your calendar for ages. But due to the global coronavirus pandemic, the 146th official Kentucky Derby has been moved to the fall, on Saturday, September 5.
Well, don’t erase Derby Day from your May calendar just yet. It’s going virtual this Saturday when many of us will be staying safer at home. There’s still plenty of fun to be had. So, dust off those floppy hats and fascinators (or make your own—keep reading!) and whip up Kentucky cocktails and dainty hors d’oeuvres.
The best part? During the virtual party, Churchill Downs, home to the horse races, will be matching up to $1 million in fan donations for COVID-19 emergency relief efforts.
The Latest Schedule for May 2, 2020
According to the Kentucky Derby’s official website, here is the schedule of #KYDerbyAtHome events that will take place on Saturday, May 2. (Check the website for updates, too.)
The schedule below is in Eastern time:
12:00 p.m.: The Greatest Race
12:15 p.m.: Kids Craft
1:00 p.m.: DIY Fascinator Making
2:00 p.m.: Cocktail Crafting (Make mint juleps and Oaks Lily punch!)
3:00-6:00 p.m.: 2015 American Pharaoh Derby & Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown on NBC
5:00 p.m.: Virtual Toast (Cheers!)
5:15 p.m.: My Old Kentucky Home Sing-A-Long
6:00-8:00 p.m.: Arkansas Derby on NBCSN
Follow Along on Social Media
You can boot up your social media accounts to join the party. Here’s how to follow along:
On Instagram
- Watch the @kentuckyderby Instagram live stream and follow the feed for realtime updates.
- Include the hashtags #KyDerbyAtHome and #KentuckyDerby in your posts.
View this post on Instagram
On Twitter
- Follow along with @kentuckyderby for realtime updates.
- Include the hashtags #KyDerbyAtHome and #KentuckyDerby in your tweets.
Join us May 2nd for a Virtual #KyDerbyAtHome Party featuring the Triple Crown Showdown where the 13 Triple Crown winners will race one another in a computer simulation under the historic Twin Spires of Churchill Downs.
Details: https://t.co/d3CkQmbpFz pic.twitter.com/tnBjUXxXNI
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 23, 2020
On Facebook
- RSVP to the Virtual Kentucky Derby at Home Party Facebook Event.
Here's What to Make for Virtual Derby Day
1 / 37
Smoked Pimiento Cheese Crostini
Pimiento cheese has long been a favorite in our family, so these bite-sized appetizers are a treat! I add Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce to give them a little kick. Caramelized onions create another layer of flavor. You can make the cheese and onions three to five days in advance; they store well. If you need to save time, you can use premade jalapeno pimiento cheese. —Caitlyn Bunch, Trenton, Georgia
Mint Julep
It wouldn't be Kentucky Derby Day without this mint julep recipe! But, really, this Kentucky Derby mint julep recipe is good anytime. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Turkey Cordon Bleu with Alfredo Sauce
For our annual Kentucky Derby party I wanted to create a twist on a traditional Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich, and my turkey cordon bleu was born. The turkey is tender and flavorful, full of smoky ham and melted cheese, but the crispy bacon really sets the dish off. —Sandy Komisarek, Swanton, Ohio
Hush Puppies
Mom is well known for her wonderful hush puppies. Her recipe is easy to prepare and oh, so tasty. The chopped onion adds to the fantastic flavor. —Mary McGuire, Graham, North Carolina
Cucumber Canapes
I always get requests for the recipe for these canapes whenever I serve them. They're delicate finger sandwiches with a creamy herb spread and festive red and green garnishes. —Nadine Whittaker, South Plymouth, Massachusetts
Maple Pecan Tarts
I absolutely love pecans. I combine them with maple and vanilla to create the ultimate tart, made even richer with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. —Redawna Kalynchuk, Barrhead, Alberta
Benedictine Dip
Benedictine is a creamy spread studded with chopped cucumbers. It was named in honor of Jennie Carter Benedict, a chef and restaurateur from Louisville, Kentucky, who created the condiment at the turn of the 20th century. Originally used for cucumber sandwiches, Benedictine is now commonly enjoyed as a cold dip for chips or spread on crackers. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Mini Hot Browns
Here's my take on the famous Hot Brown sandwich. Guests quickly saddle up for juicy turkey slices and crispy bacon, piled on toasted rye bread and then topped with a rich cheese sauce. —Annette Grahl, Midway, Kentucky
Strawberries & Cream Torte
This festive strawberry summer treat is one of my mom's favorites. It wows guests every time yet is simple to make. —Cathy Branciaroli, Wilmington, Delaware
Potluck Fried Chicken
This Sunday dinner staple is first fried and then baked to a crispy golden brown. Well-seasoned with oregano and sage, this classic is sure to satisfy diners at church potlucks or late-summer picnics, too. I love fixing it for family and friends. —Donna Kuhaupt, Slinger, Wisconsin
Southern Pimiento Cheese Spread
A classic southern comfort food, this spread is used as an appetizer with crackers, corn chips or celery. It is also smeared between two slices of white bread for sandwiches and as a topping for hamburgers and hot dogs. —Eileen Balmer, South Bend, Indiana.
Spicy Shrimp & Crab Cocktail
This seafood starter is so good that it makes me love a food I usually don't—radishes! This recipe also calls for spicy V8, but Zing Zang Bloody Mary mix works just as well. Serve the cocktail straight up, with tortilla chips or on a bed of butter lettuce. —Heidi Knaak, Liberty, Missouri
Quick Buttermilk Cornbread
The tattered recipe card for this corn bread proves it's been a family favorite for years. It's my daughter's top request. —Judy Sellgren, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Watermelon Cups
This lovely appetizer is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Ginger Mint Julep
Mint juleps aren't just for Kentucky Derby day! Enjoy one while gathering with friends for baby shower or luncheon. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Little Pigs in a Hammock
Pigs in a blanket aren’t just for kids! Dijon and Camembert transform this children’s favorite into a version that’s perfect for grown-ups. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Meringue Roses
Eat these pretty treats as is, or crush them into a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream. Readers of my blog, utry.it, went nuts when I posted that idea.—Amy Tong, Anaheim, California
Horseradish Deviled Eggs
People say, "Wow!" when they taste these flavorful tangy deviled eggs. The bold combination of ground mustard, dill and horseradish is so appealing. The plate is always emptied whenever I serve these eggs. —Ruth Roth, Linville, North Carolina
Blue-Ribbon Butter Cake
I found this buttercake recipe in an old cookbook I bought at a garage sale and couldn’t wait to try it. I knew it had been someone’s favorite because of the well-worn page. —Joan Gertz, Palmetto, Florida
Cucumber Fruit Salsa
Our garden always gives us way more cucumbers and tomatoes than we know what to do with. But we’ve learned how to handle the unexpected with a surprise of our own. This is our pretty, fresh way to use up the bounty. —Anna Davis, Springfield, Missouri
Quentin’s Peach-Bourbon Wings
My father and husband love bourbon flavor, so I add it to tangy wings baked in peach preserves. Stand back and watch these wings fly. —Christine Winston, Richmond, Virginia
Black-Eyed Susan
The Kentucky Derby has the mint julep; the Preakness has the black-eyed Susan. The drink is a sunny mix of vodka, rum, and pineapple and orange juices to toast your special events.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
German Beer Cheese Spread
We love recipes inspired by our German heritage. This tangy spread is fantastic served alongside everything, including pretzels and pumpernickel or crackers and sausage. Choose your favorite beer; the flavor really comes through. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Bacon-Pecan Chocolate Truffles
I love eating these truffles the day after I make them, after the full flavor of the bacon comes through. —Sylvia Shankle, Munhall, Pennsylvania
Corn Spoon Bread
This slow-cooked spoon bread is more tender than corn pudding made in the oven, and the cream cheese is a nice addition. —Tamara Ellefson, Frederic, Wisconsin
Bourbon-Glazed Ham
Smoky and sweet flavors come through in every bite of this Kentucky-style ham. Since I found this recipe, it’s the only ham I make. —Sue Schiller, Tomahawk, Wisconsin
Smooth Sweet Tea
A pinch of baking soda eliminates bitterness in this smooth and easy-to-sip tea and it has just the right amount of sugar so it's not overly sweet. —kelseylouise, Taste of Home Community Member
Blueberry Cornmeal Cobbler
Cornbread, blueberries and maple syrup give this special dessert a flavor that’s different from any cobbler you’ve had before. I came across the recipe many years ago. —Judy Watson, Tipton, Indiana
Turkey & Swiss Biscuit Sliders
I love to come up with new recipe ideas; I'm always experimenting. I created these while my sister was pregnant to satisfy a craving, and it really did the trick! —Cindy Esposito, Bloomfield, New Jersey
Baked Two-Cheese & Bacon Grits
In the South, everyone loves three things: bacon, cheese and grits! After playing around with this recipe, I took it to my first family party as a newlywed, and it was a huge hit. This recipe has become a family tradition that I'm sure will be passed down for generations. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Shrimp Salad Appetizers
This refreshing hors d'oeuvre has gained a big following since a friend shared her family recipe with me. My son says it best: The celery and shrimp are so good together. —Solie Kimble, Kanata, Ontario
Lemon Chess Pie with Berry Sauce
This is one of those old-fashioned Southern desserts that makes everyone feel good. The easy-as-pie berry sauce gives it color and a tantalizing tang. —April Heaton, Branson, Missouri
Bourbon Ham Balls
Grandma Nette was the queen of ham ball recipes. I make them salty-sweet with a bourbon and vinegar kick. Serve them alone, in a sandwich or over pasta or rice. —Kimla Carsten, Grand Junction, Colorado
Ginger-Maple Roasted Pecans
Use these spiced nuts as a snack, in a salad or as a coating for fish. They're a smart ingredient to keep on hand. —Angie Thanopoulos, Arlington Heights, Illinois
Bourbon Slush
At our holiday parties, Bourbon Slush is definitely a favorite. Have fun experimenting with different teas when you make it. We like black tea, green tea and orange spice. —Darcene Sigler, Louisville, Ohio
Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms
When your friends take a look at this pretty appetizer, they'll know they're at a party. There's nothing better than nibbling on one of these comforting snacks while watching fall football. They are cheesy, bacony and superb. —Elizabeth Bennett, Mill Creek, Washington
Bagel Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce
I worked in a health club where bagels arrived daily, so I experimented with leftovers. I wasn’t a bread pudding fan until I tried it with bagels. —Kathy Hawkins, Gurnee, Illinois
The post The Kentucky Derby Is Going Virtual on Derby Day—Here’s What We Know appeared first on Taste of Home.
Ceara Milligan