Martha Stewart, Churchill Downs create Kentucky Derby at Home experience. What's on the menu

Churchill Downs Racetrack is partnering with the queen of entertaining, Martha Stewart, to create the "Kentucky Derby At-Home" experience ahead of the 150th Kentucky Derby.

With easy-to-prepare recipes and tablescape tips, Stewart's guidance will "help infuse the timeless traditions and culinary delights of the Kentucky Derby directly into fans’ homes," a news release announcing the partnership states.

Menu highlights include Benedictine dip to hot crab dip plus the big-batch lemon-mint julep.

“The ‘Kentucky Derby At-Home’ menu is a culinary journey designed to recreate the Derby experience for those celebrating at home,” Martha Stewart said in the release. “From classic favorites like deviled eggs and pimento cheese to creative twists on Derby Day staples, each dish is a tribute to the flavors of this storied historic event. Hosting an at-home Derby celebration is about creating memorable moments with loved ones, savoring delicious food and embracing the overall spirit that makes Derby Day special.”

The Derby At-Home experience also includes tips on how to make a mint julep, Derby-inspired tables, centerpiece ideas and more.

“In addition to being The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports, the Kentucky Derby is an incredible culinary celebration and sensory experience, and who better to help bring the tastes of the Derby to fans at home for this special milestone year than the lifestyle pioneer herself,” Casey Ramage, vice president of marketing and partnerships said in the release. “Martha’s immaculate palate, attention to detail and elegant presentations have inspired generations and we’re thrilled to have her expertise to bring the essence of the Derby to homes across the world as they watch this year’s race.”

What's on the Kentucky Derby 150 At-Home Menu?

The dishes, all crafted by Martha Stewart, are featured on the Kentucky Derby At-Home menu

• Benedictine Dip

• Deviled Eggs

• Hot Crab Dip

• Pimento Cheese

• Big-Batch Lemon-Mint Julep

Kentucky Derby At-Home Hot Crab Dip recipe

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 3 scallions, very finely chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1/4 cup grated gruyere cheese

• 1/3 teaspoon dry mustard

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1 pound fresh jumbo lump crab

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Stir together in a large bowl cream cheese, heavy cream, sour cream, scallions, Worcestershire sauce, gruyere cheese and dry mustard.

Season with salt and pepper; mix to combine.

Gently fold in crab, making sure not to break up the crab.

Transfer to a small ramekin and bake until bubbling.

Allow to cool slightly before serving with shortbread crackers.

Kentucky Derby At-Home Pimento Cheese recipe

• 2 cups shredded extra-sharp orange cheddar cheese

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 to 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimento, drained

• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)

• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Toast points, for serving

• Cucumber cups, for serving

Combine in a large bowl cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, jalapeno, cayenne (if using) and onion powder.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve on toast points and cucumber cups.

Kentucky Derby At-Home Big-Batch Lemon-Mint Julep recipe

Serves: 16 drinks

• 17 lemons

• 4 cups granulated sugar

• 32 sprigs mint

• Ice cubes or crushed ice

• 3 cups Kentucky bourbon

• Turbinado or granulated sugar, for rims of glasses

Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and a wire rack; set aside. Using a vegetable peeler, remove the zest of 4 lemons in wide strips. Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve sugar. Add lemon zest and simmer until translucent, about 1 hour. Let zest cool in liquid. Transfer zest to wire rack to dry.

Step 2: Squeeze the lemons, reserving rinds and juice separately. In a large saucepan, combine the remaining 3 cups sugar and 3 cups water, stirring until dissolved. Add lemon rinds, and cook over medium heat until liquid becomes syrupy, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat, and let stand until room temperature. Remove, and discard lemon rinds. Syrup will keep refrigerated for at least a week.

Step 3: Spread turbinado or granulated sugar on a small plate. Pour about 1/4 cup lemon juice into a bowl.  Dip the rims of 16 mint-julep cups or tall glasses in the bowl of lemon juice, then dip the glasses in sugar to create a sugared rim.

Step 4: Use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to crush a few mint leaves in the bottom of each glass. Fill glasses with ice cubes or crushed ice. Add about 1/4 cup each lemon juice and lemon rind syrup. Top each with 1 1/2 ounces bourbon. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a candied lemon peel.

Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky Derby 150 At-Home menu from Churchill Downs, Martha Stewart