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.  

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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 Kentucky Derby

The Savory Pantry on the Road to the Triple Crown!  We love any excuse to throw a party and as far as we're concerned, there is nothing better than the excitement surrounding The Kentucky Derby, The Preakness Stakes, and The Belmont.  There are so many traditions surrounding these great races, and this week we'll introduce you to two of our favorites: The cocktails and the fashion!  Mix up a signature race day drink and don a gorgeous hat from our friend and noted milliner Christine A. Moore...you're already a winner!

Stay tuned...at the end of the week we'll provide some great recipes and fun tips for throwing an exceptional Kentucky Derby party at home! ~Keeley

The 140th running of The Kentucky Derby is coming up May 3rd and, horse racing fans that we are, we've been preparing for weeks!  We love the traditions surrounding the greatest two minutes in sports....a well-made Mint Julep, a slice of Derby Pie, the singing of My Old Kentucky Home, not to mention the extraordinary hats...

Join us as we celebrate this year's Run for the Roses in great taste... and great style!   

THE HAT

"Black Beauty" 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 

No Derby Day celebration is complete without a traditional Mint Julep.  While there are many variations on Kentucky's most famous drink, we prefer a tried and true recipe from long-time family friend Bob McFarland.

Bob and his wife Myra Jo were known on the Dallas cocktail circuit for their annual Kentucky Derby party, often lasting into the wee small hours of the morning... long after the Run for the Roses was over!  Bob is no longer with us, but his spirit (pun intended!) lives on in his legendary Mint Juleps.  The secret to this intoxicating julep is time.  Allow the mint, bourbon and sugar to steep for 3 days prior to serving.  

Bob McFarland's Mint Julep

You will need:

• 1 cup fresh mint
• 1 pint bourbon (we like Woodford Reserve)
• 1 cup sugar

In an airtight container, gently muddle mint with sugar.  Add bourbon, cover, and allow flavors to meld for 3 days.

When ready to serve strain mint mixture through cheesecloth into a serving pitcher, squeezing the cloth as you go to release as much of the mint mixture as possible. 

Fill julep cups with crushed ice.  Add 1 part mint mixture to 2 parts bourbon.  Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.  Serve with a straw.  If desired, rim julep cups with mint julep sugar prior to filling.