Delicious Derby BBQ: 9 Dishes for a Tasty Spread

BOWLING GREEN, KY - According to historians, the “…Kentucky Derby is the longest-running sporting event in the nation, having continued uninterrupted ever since its debut in 1875, including the Great Depression and two World Wars.” This Saturday, the U.S. will collectively celebrate the “most exciting two minutes in sports” once again during the 144th annual Kentucky Derby. To help you make your derby gathering a success, we’ve prepared some quick recipes for mouthwatering food and refreshing drinks.

Kamado grills, like our selection of Duluth Forge kamado grills, are built for versatility and make cooking a variety of dishes for your derby barbecue party a breeze. With the ability to make quick heat adjustments and the availability of hundreds of accessories, you can use your kamado BBQ grill to cook every course from appetizers to dessert!

Appetizers

Stuffed Mushrooms

An easy, savory appetizer that can be prepared ahead of time or thrown together quick the day of. Remove the stems and wash the mushrooms before batting dry. Finely chop half an onion and caramelize it on your Duluth Forge kamado grill with olive oil. Meanwhile in a bowl mix cream cheese, minced garlic, salt, paper, thyme, oregano, chipotle, and your cheese(s) of choice. Add the caramelized onions to your mix and coat the mushrooms in olive oil. Stuff the mushrooms with your mix and throw them on the grill in a bbq grill pan for 5-10 mins depending on your heat, or until the outside of the mushrooms are crisp and the cheese is melted.

Avocado Dip

Perfect for dipping fresh vegetables or fresh fried potato chips. Blend a couple of avocadoes, a can or two of chick peas, cilantro, salt, pepper, and some lime juice in a blender. If you like a dip that is thinner, add a bit of water or extra lime juice in while blending, and if you want an extra kick mix in some chipotle or diced peppers.

Drinks

A cold drink is refreshing on a hot day and relaxing after two minutes of stress waiting to see if your horse came out on top. To keep your drinks frosty, we recommended using our rotomolded Avenger Coolers built with doubled walled insulation, a UV resistant exterior, and an integrated locking lid.

The New Mint Julep

This new mint julep recipe is actually a throwback to the original one, meaning we’ve completely removed the simple syrup. Take 3 to 6 fresh mint leaves, rinse lightly, and add to the bottom of your silver cup or glass. Gently press down on the leaves a couple of times to muddle, then add in your powdered sugar and sparkling water, or club soda if you prefer. Remove your ice from your Avenger Cooler, and crush it in a paper towel using the bottom of a sturdy glass. Fill the cup with your fresh crushed ice, pour in your bourbon of choice, and enjoy!

Sangria

An easy adult punch with a kick. Chop up your favorite fruits and add them to a pitcher or bowl. Muddle or crush the fruits lightly, add in sugar to taste, and stir. Pour in orange juice and your choice of brandy, stir, then finish off with your favorite red wine and ice. Adjust the flavors as needed after a quick taste and set this aside in your Avenger Cooler to chill.

Beer

Your favorite beer tastes even better when chilled to the proper temperature. Light lagers should be chilled to 35°F while your heavy lagers will taste best when served around 50°F.

BBQ Pickings

Chicken Wings

Good chicken wings are a staple at any BBQ get together, and the added flavor of smoking them on your Duluth Forge grill will leave your guests craving more. For a classic, fresh wing we recommend smoked lemon garlic chicken wings. Marinate your wings overnight in minced garlic, fresh squeezed lemon juice, honey, oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. If you’re tight on time you can marinate these for 30 minutes to an hour instead, and if you’re looking for an extra kick add in a teaspoon of red pepper paste to your marinade. Smoke your wings at around 225°F for an hour and 30 minutes or until cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Potato Cakes

Crispy on the outside and soft of the inside, these fried potatoes are perfect with a bit of sour cream or a dash of salt added on top. For added convenience, you can bake your potatoes ahead of time or used leftover mashed potatoes. Begin by caramelizing half an onion, or whole depending on your taste, and add the potatoes, an egg, and parmesan cheese to a bowl. Add the caramelized onion when cooked and strain the mixture in a colander or fine mesh strainer to remove the excess water. Mix in a pinch of flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper then roll into flat disks. Coat your griddle or BBQ grill pan with oil and then fry up your potato disks, cooking for 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove and set aside on paper towels to absorb excess oil or gently pat the excess away and serve immediately.

Dessert

Grilled Peaches

A sweet treat and lighter than a full-on pie, these grilled peaches are the perfect way to end your derby party. Wash your peaches and cut them in half, removing the pits. Place the peaches face down on the grates of your Duluth Forge kamado grill, or put them in a non-stick grill pan. Let the peaches cook for 5-10 minutes or until they’re soft and warm. Remove from the grill and place your peaches in a bowl face up now. Sprinkle with toppings of your choice like powdered sugar or chopped walnuts and serve with a scoop of whipped topping or vanilla bean ice cream on top.

Derby Dark Chocolate Cheesecake

This dark chocolate cheesecake is sure to satisfy your guests with a sweet tooth and requires minimal preparation beforehand. Crush your favorite cookie, or classic graham crackers, and mix with melted butter. Press into your cheesecake pan and set aside. Mix milk, cream cheese, eggs, and brown sugar until smooth. Begin melting your dark chocolate chips over a low flame and add in a splash of bourbon or whiskey here if you’d like. Let the dark chocolate cool for a minute or two before folding into your cream cheese mixture. Pour over your cookie crust, and sprinkle chopped walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans on top. Let your cheesecake set your 3 hours, or until firm, in your Avenger Cooler before serving.