Kentucky Derby
3 recipes found

Peach Ricotta Cake
Peaches are one of the very best things about summer, and this cake celebrates them two ways, with chopped pieces folded into the batter and wedges fanned out to decorate the top. The batter is enriched with ricotta for moisture and a generous amount of lemon zest for brightness. This cake is beautiful enough to serve at a party and can be prepared and baked in less than an hour. If fresh peaches aren't looking good at your market, you can substitute the same weight of any other fresh stone fruit. (If summer fruit isn't available, you can even use a 12-ounce package of frozen sliced peaches; just be sure to thaw the slices fully and pat them dry before adding them to the batter.)

Sugar Cookie Bars With Berries
Draped in frosting and adorned with festive berries, these sheet-pan cookie bars are fit for a party. Browned butter and cream cheese give the cookie depth and richness, plus a pleasantly chewy texture. The fluffy vanilla frosting is a canvas for whichever berries look best at the market. If you like, dust the fruit with a bit of powdered sugar just before serving for a little extra flair. The cookie and frosting can both be prepared the day before your celebration, but you’ll want to assemble and dress with the berries the day you plan to enjoy this dessert. For the cleanest slices, use a long, sharp knife and gently cut through the berries and cookie base.

Shrimp Salad
This Southern shrimp salad is so easy to throw together. It uses fresh or frozen shrimp, quickly and gently cooked in a pot of just-boiled water that’s well seasoned and spiked with lemon. Once cooled, the shrimp is then tossed in a savory, tangy, creamy dressing with a crunch from crisp vegetables for a perfect balance of texture. It’s an ideal light lunch, and also keeps in the fridge for a few days, ready to serve as a snack with crackers when you need something in a hurry.