If you can't make it to the big events yourself, a watch party with friends and/or family is a good way to spend the afternoon. Here are several unique snack ideas that will bring an unexpected twist to your Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Indy 500 watch parties.
Since idleguy.com doesn't want you to spend an eentire afternoon in the kitchen, we've decided that it would be in everybody's best interest to offer just one snack treat and recipe for each event. Chosen from dozens of crafty ideas, we'll feature one for the Kentucky Derby up front, then one for the Preakness in another week, and two weeks after that a novel Indy 500 snack idea.
OK, let's start cooking. The horses are nearing the gate! At Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Green Flag is about to be dropped (Sunday, May 25).
Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!
Checkered Flag Bruschetta Platter
This recipe transforms bruschetta into an artful display by offering a variety of toppings arranged in patterns that mimic the iconic checkered flag of the Indy 500. Consider unique toppings like whipped feta with roasted red peppers, avocado-cilantro salsa, and marinated grilled mushrooms, served on perfectly toasted baguette slices. The visual appeal and medley of flavors make this a memorable treat.
Serves as a shared appetizer
Ingredients for the Base:
Topping Variations:
a) Whipped Feta with Roasted Red Peppers:
b) Avocado-Cilantro Salsa:
c) Marinated Grilled Mushrooms:
Instructions:
On to the Preakness with Maryland Crab Cakes
If you've ever been to Baltimore, you are probably aware of the ubiquity of anything and everything crab-related. Nothing says Maryland like crab cakes and here are three recipe videos with different interpretations on the crab cake theme. Readers may want to watch these experts, learn, and maybe experiment a bit, combining elements from each.
The first is by Sam Merritt. Her recipe at Sugar Spun Run offers a wealth of tips and instructions on how to make these baked, not fried, crab cakes.
Next up, John Kennel of Preppy Kitchen, goes off the beaten path with his own variation.
Finally, Chef Jason, demonstrates how to prepare your own Authentic Maryland Style Crab Cake Burger at Chef Adventures. Years ago, there was a restaurant on Route 1 just outside Laurel, Maryland called Bay 'n Surf, that made killer crabcake sandwiches and awesome cream of crab soup. It burned down in 2007 to the dismay of its adoring fans.
Anyhow, Chef Jason's crab cake burgers are very similar to what used to come out of Bay 'n Surf's kitchen on a regular basis. These just may be the perfect snack for watching the ponies at Pimlico on May 17.
For the Kentucky Derby
Southern Savory Egg Custard Bites
Take a classic deviled egg up a notch by serving a silky, spiced egg custard in mini ramekins. Incorporate traditional flavors like a dash of smoked paprika, crispy bacon bits, and a splash of hot sauce. These bites are elegant, unique, and so much more than your everyday hors d'oeuvre.
Southern Savory Egg Custard Bites Recipe
Makes 8-10 mini custard bites
Ingredients:
- 1 baguette, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- 1-2 garlic cloves, halved
- 4 oz feta cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese
- ? cup olive oil
- ? cup finely chopped roasted red peppers
*Blend the cheeses with the olive oil until creamy, then fold in red peppers.*
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 small seeded tomato, diced
- ? cup chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
*Toss together gently.*
- 1 cup mushrooms (such as cremini or portobello), sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- A few sprigs of thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
*Saute mushrooms with garlic and thyme until tender. Drizzle with olive oil once cooled.*
1. Toast Bread: Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Brush the baguette slices with olive oil, toast on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes until crisp, then rub with a cut garlic half.
2. Assemble Toppings: On a large platter, neatly arrange the toast slices in sections. Top each section with your three prepared toppings in a pattern reminiscent of a checkered flag.
3. Garnish & Serve: Optionally garnish with basil leaves or a slight drizzle of olive oil.
Instructions:
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