How to Make a Centerpiece Out of a Derby-Pie

Walnuts are one of the original ingredients in Derby-Pie.

Derby-Pie is a chocolate-nut dessert that has been a part of countless meals since George Kern and his parents perfected the recipe in Kentucky in the middle of the 20th century. While it is unclear whether the Kern family named the pie after the famous Kentucky Derby horse races. Derby-Pie has become a traditional menu item at many elaborate Kentucky Derby meals. Whether you're serving Derby-Pie in honor of the Kentucky Derby or for any other celebration, there is no better way to honor the taste and history of Derby-Pie than by transforming it into the star attraction of the table.

Things You'll Need

• White linen tablecloth
• Glass cake stand
• Bottle of Kentucky Bourbon
• Whole pecans and walnuts
• 2 small glass bowls
• 2 silver spoons
• Heavy whipped cream
• Chocolate chips or chocolate sauce

Instructions

1. Lay a white linen tablecloth on the table. The clean, crisp tablecloth will allow the simplicity of the centerpiece to stand out more dramatically.

2. Place a glass cake stand holding the Derby-Pie in the center of the table. Maintain the pristine appearance of the display by leaving the pie whole -- slice it when you're ready to serve it.

3. Position a bottle of Kentucky bourbon beside the pie. The bourbon bottle represents one of the primary ingredients in Derby-Pie and helps create the Southern theme of the centerpiece, as both Derby-Pie and bourbon originated in Kentucky.

4. Sprinkle whole pecans and walnuts on the table around the base of the cake stand. The nuts represent another essential ingredient in Derby-Pie and highlight the simple, homey feel of the centerpiece.

5. Position a small glass bowl of chocolate sauce on the other side of the cake stand. Place a small silver spoon in the bowl for your guests to drizzle chocolate sauce over their individual slices of Derby-Pie.

6. Place a small glass bowl of whipped cream, with a silver spoon, next to the chocolate sauce so guests can drop a dollop of whipped cream on their pie, if they like.

Tips & Warnings

• Arrange a few small plastic horse figurines around the base of the cake stand if you are serving the Derby-Pie in honor of the Kentucky Derby.

References

• Derby-Pie: Our Story
• Doc Watson's: Bourbon Drinks Page