05/07/2022
Motherās Day, the Kentucky Derby and other activities are aligning for what is set to be an eventful first weekend of May!
Why not whip up a beautiful brunch?
Kentucky Benedictine Tea Sandwiches
Today, their popularity isnāt limited to just tea parties. Theyāre also a popular choice for the Kentucky Derby, baby showers, and Motherās Day brunches. And this easy recipe is my absolute favorite. It combines crisp English cucumbers with a dill cream cheese spread for the ultimate flavor combination everyone is sure to love!
2 (8-oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup peeled, seeded, and finely grated cucumber
½ cup minced green onions
¼ cup chopped fresh dill
2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
24 bread slices
Stir together first 7 ingredients. Spread mixture on 1 side of 12 bread slices; top with remaining 12 bread slices. Trim crusts from sandwiches; cut each sandwich into 4 triangles with a serrated knife.
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing
This Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing is the perfect topping for spring and summer salads. It packs a nice balance of tart and sweet flavors, and will leave you wanting to lick your bowl!
For the Dressing:
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup)
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 cup diced red onion (about 2 slices)
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
In a blender, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, mustard, salt, and red onion, and blend until smooth. Taste the dressing and adjust any seasoning, if needed.
Add the poppy seeds and pulse the blender briefly, just enough to disperse them. Pour the dressing into an airtight container and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
Leftover dressing should last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
For the Salad:
4 cups baby spinach
1 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup toasted almonds
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Place all ingredients in a large bowl and toss with enough lemon poppy seed dressing to coat.
Chilled Spring Pea Soup with Mint & Chives
I just love this bright, minty soup because it adds a pop of spring color to the buffet. Make it up to 48 hours ahead of time.
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cups vegetable broth
1 (16-oz.) package frozen sweet peas
¼ cup chopped fresh mint leaves
2 teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Garnish: sliced chives
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add onions, and cook, stirring occasionally, 6 to 8 minutes or until tender. Stir in vegetable broth, and increase heat to high. Bring to a boil. Add peas, and cook, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes or until peas are tender. Remove from heat, and stir in mint, salt, and pepper.
Process pea mixture, in batches, in a blender or food processor until smooth. Transfer mixture to a bowl, and whisk in 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt. Season with salt and pepper, and pour into 2-oz. glasses. Chill 30 minutes to 1 hour. Whisk together lemon juice and remaining sour cream, and dollop on each serving.
Chocolate Derby Truffles
Chocolate Derby Truffles are made with a healthy twist! Instead of traditional Kentucky bourbon balls which have a super sweet and buttery filling, these chocolate bourbon balls are made with dark chocolate, dates and chopped pecans for a decadent treat.
12 Medjool dates, pitted
3/4 cup pecans, toasted
3 tbsp. cocoa powder
3 tbsp. orange juice
Place pecans into a food processor and pulse them until they are crumbly.
Add the dates, orange juice and cocoa powder to the food processor bowl process until everything is mixed together and transforms into a dough texture.
Place the dough into a small bowl and refrigerate it for about 15 minutes.
Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and use you hands or a small cookie scoop to roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
Roll the balls in chopped pecans, coconut flakes or dip them into melted dark chocolate.
https://wgme.com/features/good-day-maine/good-day-caf-perfect-spring-brunch