Kentucky Derby-Pie®
The most famous dessert of the Kentucky Derby!
Perhaps the most iconic of all Kentucky Derby dishes is the Derby-Pie®; in fact, Derby is right there in the pastry’s name! Served warm or cool, with ice cream, whipped cream, or all by itself, Derby-Pie® is one of those treats that you just can’t pass up. The signature mix of chocolate chips and walnuts, the oh-so-light filling, the flaky pastry. Every time you take a bite, you feel like a cross between an amateur chef and a detective: Is that a taste of bourbon? Or maybe vanilla? No, it’s got to be a high-rye bourbon; the tartness will offset the sweetness of the chocolate…
Of course, the secrets of Derby-Pie® are closely guarded by Kern’s Kitchen, a family-owned company here in Louisville. The story goes that, in the early 1950s, George Kern was managing the restaurant at the Melrose Inn in Prospect, KY, just outside of Louisville. With the help of his parents, Walter and Leaudra Kern, George came up with a signature dessert for the restaurant. Once the recipe was perfected, the Kerns needed a great name for their creation, which combined the flavors of a chocolate chip cookie and a nut pie. So, they wrote several suggestions on slips of paper, and threw those into a hat. The winning name was, of course, Derby Pie, a reference to the big horse race just a few miles down the road. Soon, the Kerns were met with so many copycats of their delicious dessert that, in 1968, they filed for federal trademark protection of the term Derby-Pie®.
The Melrose Inn is long gone, having closed its doors in 2000, but the Kern’s Kitchen company is going strong, selling their delicious pies in restaurants and retailers throughout Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. For over fifty years, Derby-Pie® has been the taste of the Kentucky Derby for Kentuckians who are way too young to place a bet or order a mint julep, who miss their Old Kentucky Homes, or for those attending parties en route to the Derby. We may not know exactly what’s in a Derby-Pie®, but we know it tastes like Derby Season!
Why Do We Wear Hats to the Kentucky Derby?
Did you ever wonder why we wear elaborate hats to the Kentucky Derby? Well, the history of the Kentucky Derby goes back to the Derby Stakes in Britain, known here in the States as the Epsom Derby. The Epsom Derby was first run in 1780 and is the highest-purse horse race in Britain.
In 1873, Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. visited Europe, taking in the Epsom Derby and the Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp. He returned home to Louisville and organized the race now known as the Kentucky Derby, looking toward these races for inspiration for track design, race length and other details. When the Kentucky Derby began in 1875, Kentucky ladies wore their finest to the races, just as their British counterparts did. Of course, in those days, finery included a chapeau, and the tradition stuck.
Kentucky Derby 1938. via The Huffington Post.
These days, a Derby Hat is the first thing most ladies look for when they make place for the big race. Kate Welsh, co-owner of The Hat Girls, the Official Hat Designers of the Kentucky Derby Festival, says "Sixty percent of our business is custom work, which wasn’t in our original business plan. We find that, typically, a lady wants to pick out her clothes around the hat. Others want a custom design made from dresses they’ve already picked out."
Of course, there's a fine line between a dramatic hat and one that's too comfortable for race day wear. Kate Welsh says "We’re very honest with customers about what works for them. People try the hats on, and they don’t always realize that an adjustable hat brim only helps them so much. As designers, we try to limit how many feathers or sequins we add to the hat so thatit’s not sagging down into the customer’s face."
Rachel Bell, Ms. Welsh's Hat Girls partner, notes that their designs do strike a balance between practicality and flair. "But, at the same time, the hat usually is the focal point of the outfit."
Kate Walsh of The Hat Girls shows a hat that was custom-made to match a client's Derby Dress.
Whether your preferred look is a practical fascinator or a show-stopping chapeau, you can thank the Derby's English roots -- and especially Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr's trip to Epsom -- for the tradition of Kentucky Derby Hats.
Want to learn more about the Kentucky Derby's history? Download The Kentucky Derby by Bill Doolittle, now in eBook format, on Amazon or iBooks.
Vineyard Vines is Coming to Lexington!
Preppy lifestyle brand Vineyard Vines is opening a brand store in Lexington!
Have y'all heard that Vineyard Vines is opening a store in Lexington?
I was pretty excited to hear this, as Vineyard Vines makes some of my very favorite t-shirts, baseball caps, and pajama pants on the planet. They always have such fun designs, especially the Kentucky Derby line! Vineyard Vines is, as you probably know the official style of the Kentucky Derby. I've always thought that was a perfect fit, because the VV slogan is Every Day Should Feel this Good, while here in Kentucky, we think that Every Day Should Feel Like Derby!
I love the Oaks Lilly and Derby Mint Julep shirts! I've had so much fun wearing these during the pre-Derby season. (Please note that the julep shirt is a men's style; I just couldn't pass it up!)
Oaks Lilly shirt c/o Vineyard Vines; Mint Julep is my own. What a fun way to get ready for Derby Festivities!
Lexington's Vineyard Vines store will open at The Summit at Fritz Farm this Thursday, April 27th! I hope to see you at the First Look events on Thursday!
(This post was sponsored by The Summit at Fritz Farm and Vineyard Vines; all opinions are, as always, my own.)
Vineyard Vines 2017 Kentucky Oaks Collaboration With Norton Cancer Institute
Kentucky Oaks accessories that benefit a great cause!
In recent years, Kentucky Oaks Day has become a celebration of survivors of breast and ovarian cancers. There's a beautiful symmetry to the fact that the most important fillies race of the horse racing year celebrates some of the strongest and most resilient women in the Commonwealth. I can't get enough of the Survivors Parade -- I only wish more Kentucky women were able to participate -- and I can't get enough of the pink hues that paint the track on Oaks Day.
I was thrilled to learn that, this year, Vineyard Vines has teamed with the Norton Cancer Institute here in Louisville to help some Oaks Day attire make a difference. Twenty percent of the purchase price of the Pink Lillies tie, Pink Lillies bow tie, and Run for the Roses scarf will go to the Norton Cancer Institute. It's so wonderful to see a contribution that goes directly to patient care, right here in the Derby City. I thought my Derby week wardrobe was already selected, but since I learned about this partnership, I feel like one more scarf might be in order...
I was thrilled to learn that, this year, Vineyard Vines has teamed with the Norton Cancer Institute here in Louisville to help some Oaks Day attire make a difference. Twenty percent of the purchase price of the Pink Lillies tie, Pink Lillies bow tie, and Run for the Roses scarf will go to the Norton Cancer Institute. It's so wonderful to see a contribution that goes directly to patient care, right here in the Derby City. I thought my Derby week wardrobe was already selected, but since I learned about this partnership, I feel like one more scarf might be in order...
(This post contains no affiliate links, sponsorships, or other forms of remuneration; I simply want to get the message out about benefitting a crucial, life-saving resource in my city. These products are a lovely way to make a difference this Derby season!)
Kentucky Derby Book Giveaway!
Bill Doolittle's The Kentucky Derby: Derby Fever, Derby Day, and the Run for the Roses® captures the heritage and history of the Derby!
Derby is only two weeks away, y'all!
If you love the pageantry and history of The Kentucky Derby, or if you're looking for a gift for a Derby fanatic, you'll love The Kentucky Derby by Bill Doolittle. This stunning coffee table book tells the story of the most exciting two minutes in sports from Meriwether Lewis Clark's original race based on the Epsom Derby up to American Pharoah's thrilling victory.
I love my copy of The Kentucky Derby because it features Digimarc Discover® technology, which allows me to use my iPhone to watch video footage pertaining to the story. You can actually watch some of the races that the author references, or watch a video to help you make a better mint julep. It's such a cool way to get more immersed into the story!
I also love that Shircliff Publishing is committed to giving back to the community. If you order a hardback copy directly through the book's website, you can choose among several Louisville-area charities to receive a donation of $10 your purchase price at no additional charge to you!
If coffee table books aren't your jam, The Kentucky Derby is now available as an ebook! You can choose from Amazon Kindle or iBooks for your tablet, Kindle, or smartphone. For only $9.99, the ebook format is a great way to learn the history of the Derby on the go!
HerKentucky has teamed up with Shircliff Publishing to give one reader a hardcover copy of The Kentucky Derby (a $50 value). You can enter using the rafflecopter raffle below. The contest ends Sunday, April 23rd at midnight; the winner will be contacted and announced on Monday morning.
Please let us know in the comments section: What is your favorite Kentucky Derby tradition?
In the spirit of disclosure and transparency, please note that I have an ongoing business relationship with Shircliff Publishing, the company that produced The Kentucky Derby book. All opinions are, as always, my own.
Draper James Kentucky Derby Capsule Collection
Y'all! Draper James dropped their 2017 Kentucky Derby Capsule Collection today and it is soooo good!
This envelope clutch is so cute for a day at the track.
And this tee is perfect for low-key Derby week festivities.
This hat would be so fun for Thurby.
I love the colors on this dress. It'll be so great for summer soirees.
And I may even love the skirt more!
Even better? Click this link for $20 off your next Draper James order. And look for Draper James opening soon at the Summit at Fritz Farm in Lexington!!
(This post contains affiliate links; HerKentucky receives a nominal commission on every product link you click in this post. All opinions are my own!)
Easy Derby Time Style with Off Broadway Shoes!
Off Broadway Shoes can help you find the perfect Kentucky Derby accessories!
It's Derby Season, y'all! The Kentucky Derby is only three weeks away and it seems like a new party or event pops up on the calendar every day! When last-minute Derby time events arise, I find that the right accessories can elevate a basic dress in a hurry. Of course, a great fascinator is in order, as are some comfortable, stylish pumps. Fortunately, Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse has me covered for great accessories at a great price.
Last weekend, I attended Off Broadway's Kentucky Derby Hat Trunk Show, and I was able to pick up some great accessories for my own Derby needs. I found an absolutely perfect pair of Cole Haan pumps and a fun pink fascinator, all for around $100. I was so excited to play around with some dresses I already had; I feel like I'm ahead of the last-minute-invite curve!!
I love this combo paired with a bell-sleeved black and white striped dress. It's also a great pairing with solid navy!
It's also a great pairing with solid navy!
This time of year, you never know when a white party will pop up on your radar! And the shoes are the perfect pairing with a bright coral dress! Lace dresses are always great for Derby time events.
Thanks so much to Off Broadway Shoes for helping me find the perfect solution for Derby time parties!
{This post was sponsored by Off Broadway Shoes; all opinions are my own.}