Run for the Roses Derby Bars

Contributed by:
Beth Dooley
www.seasonalappetities.com

May 7 marks the 137th running of the Greatest Two Minutes in Sports--Kentucky's famous horse race! You won’t want to miss the fun, so gather your friends for a sweet celebration.

Named for the garland of roses awarded to the winner each year, the Run for the Roses is a tradition dating back to the 1800s. The race covers one-quarter mile and is a stakes race for 3-year old thoroughbred horses. It’s known as the jewel in thoroughbred racing's triple crown, which also includes the Preakness Stakes in Maryland and the Belmont Stakes in New York.

This year, over 155,000 fans will gather in Louisville to view the derby and to sing “My Old Kentucky Home” as the horses are paraded before the grandstand. The derby draws dapper men and beautiful women, all wearing hats, sipping mint juleps and nibbling fried chicken and bourbon-spiked sweets. But you can have just as much fun at home as you might at the storied Churchill Downs.

Because the race is run in the afternoon, it allows for easy entertaining. You only need to set out a few nibbles and good drinks. Traditional fare includes a lush sweet pie spiked with bourbon. Instead, we offer simple-to-make and easy-to-eat bars you and your guests can enjoy with frosty mint juleps. Let the race begin!

Step 1 Cut the butter into the Bisquick.

Step 2 Spread the crust in the pan and bake until golden.

Step 3 Mix together the topping ingredients.

Step 4 Pour the topping onto the crust.

Step 5 Spread topping over the crust.

Step 6 Sprinkle chocolate chips over the topping and bake.

After one bite, you'll agree Derby Bars are a winner with friends and family!