Happy Kentucky Derby Day everyone! I hope you’re all wearing fancy hats and watching the run for the roses. It’s not that big of a deal in South Louisiana, but we still like to eat some of the Derby’s traditional fare. Here are a couple of recipes from my box that have a Louisiana twist for the day. Have a beautiful weekend!

Chocolate Pecan Pie
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons butter, melted
3 eggs
1/3 cup sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons bourbon
1 1/4 cups pecan halves
1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell, homemade or frozen

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a double boiler melt chocolate and butter. Let cool slightly. Beat eggs lightly in a medium bowl. Add sugar, corn syrup, chocolate mixture, vanilla, and bourbon; stir until well blended. Fold in pecans. Place pie shell a baking sheet and pour in filling. Bake 50 to 55 minutes, until knife inserted midway between center and rim comes out clean. Cool pie on wire rack to room temperature before cutting.

Frozen Cucumber Mint Mojito
3 medium or 2 large cucumbers, chopped
3 ounces white rum
4 ounces Sprite
2 teaspoons sugar
Juice of one lime Five or 6 mint leaves 2 cups ice

Blend all ingredients until slushy. Garnish with fresh mint sprig and serve cold in highball or any tall, narrow glass.