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Jewish life is rife with traditions which shape so much of our culture. I often find inspiration in these traditions and weave them into meals for friends and family. On occasion, inspiration comes from unexpected places, as is the case with my Kentucky Derby Shabbat lunch- now a long-standing tradition in my family.

Charred Asparagus

At the Kentucky Derby race, there are many customs that play a large role in the Derby atmosphere. Onlookers drink Mint Juleps from frosty silver cups and eat Burgoo, a thick, cholent-like stew of beef, chicken and vegetables. Derby-goers dress to the nines: Women wear fashionable dresses accessorized with large, elaborate hats as the men wear seersucker suits and bowties. At my party, I ask my guests to come dressed for the occasion, which gets very exciting (and lots of looks at Shul)!  The Derby is frequently referred to as “The Run for the Roses,” so the centerpiece is always a lush bouquet of stunning red roses.

The actual Kentucky Derby race only lasts about 2 minutes. For me the greatest part of the race is the meal, which-thankfully- lasts much longer…

Below is my Kentucky Derby Shabbat Menu, even if you just have Mint Juleps  you can start a new tradition of your own.  I have linked to many of my recipes as well as some from others on this site.

Tomato Salad

I love to see a bountiful table filled with delicious foods and vivid colors, it goes back to my belief that we eat with our eyes before we eat with our mouths. Try to ensure that your menu has green, red and yellow hues by serving brightly colored dishes along with the traditional meat, don’t miss my favorites, Charred Asparagus and Heirloom Tomato Salad.

Kentucky Derby Menu

Mint Juleps
Iced Sweet Tea
Tea Sandwiches
Deviled Eggs
Crab Cakes with Red Pepper Aioli
Iceberg Wedge Salad
Derby Braised Ribs
Burgoo
Jalapeno Corn bread
Tomato Salad
Charred Asparagus
Strawberry Shortcake
Bread Pudding with Chocolate Bourbon Sauce

This week we read about the Spies exploration of the land in Parsha Shelach.  They return with the bountiful fruits of the Holy Land – grapes, pomegranate and figs.  I will resist the temptation to share a menu featuring these items (since I did that last year) and tackle a more complex (from a menu planning perspective) episode in this week’s parsha, the issue of a man gathering sticks on Shabbat.  The punishment is severe and the lesson to be drawn is that any work must be completed before Shabbos begins.  So let me make it easy for you, with a menu featuring a delightful recipe that isn’t much “work” at all (20 minutes prep time) and will “stick” with you for a while, Lamb Kebabs on Cinnamon Sticks with Chutney.

Lamb Kebabs on Cinnamon Sticks with Date and Mango Chutney

Oven-Fried-Zucchini-Sticks

Grilled Turkey Drumsticks

Classic Corn on the Cob

Rainbow Ices

The Kentucky Derby is the most famous horse race celebrated every year on the first Saturday of May.  This year it will be on May 5^th and even though we might not be able to watch the race live, that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the fastest two minutes in sports.

When I was living in Washington D.C., there were two sisters from Kentucky. Every year, they invited the whole community over for an afternoon Kentucky Derby celebration.  They brought everyone together Shabbat afternoon for a party, with big fancy hats, Derby Pie and of course, a Mint Julep.  You don’t have to be from Kentucky to have a Derby party.  This week tell your lunch guests to wear their funkiest Shabbat hats and “head” over for a Derby lunch and a shot of bourbon.

Mint Julep

Start the meal off right with the happily obligatory, Mint Julep.  There is nothing like a strong blend of Kentucky bourbon, sugar water and mint to get a party off to the races.  (leave out the bourbon and mix with lime juice or seltzer for a non alcoholic version my niece likes to call Mint Tulip)  and serve with some Sweet and Spicy Pecans.

Cucumber and Watercress Tea Sandwich

Then serve a selection of tea sandwiches:

Cucumber and Watercress or Red Pepper and Pesto.

Bourbon Sage London Broil

For your main course, try:

Bourbon Sage London Broil with Potato Salad and Black Eyed Peas with Green Beans.

Not Derby Pie from Rivka

And down the stretch we come to dessert, Not Derby Pie.

Derby pie is a chocolate and walnut tart in a pie shell.  It can also be made with pecans, chocolate chips and Kentucky bourbon.  Since Derby Pie is trademarked, the similar pie recipe goes by many names.  This recipe is made parve by blogger friend, Rivka, from NotDerbyPie.com, I figured she was a good source for the recipe.

What’s on your Kentucky Derby Day Menu?