Who doesn’t admire equestrian viewing? I recall as a child seeing the famous Lipizzaner horses from Austria. I was awe-struck with their grandeur and style. The first Saturday in May is the grand showcase of Thoroughbreds during the Kentucky Derby. My father took me to Churchill Downs for the first time when I was 8 years old and well, I have revered the speed of horses since. The festivities generated from this grand race is exciting and it is so easy to host your own Derby party. Fashionable attire is encouraged along with theme-driven cuisine. My friends and I enjoy wearing hats, which inspired my creation: Le Chapeau de Rubans.
Bake a sheet cake of vanilla white cake. When baked, cut the cake into a large round. This can be made in advance and frozen until you are ready to make the hat. Assembly: Place the round cake shape onto the serving tray. Cut away the center interior round shape for the hat head position. Fill the center round area with a mound of beautiful fresh fruit. This includes strawberries, apricots, blackberries, etc. Keep the round shape, while stacking. Whip and sweeten meringue. Cover the brim of the hat (the cake) with the meringue up to the edge of the fruit. Then, place a lovely multi-layered ribbon bow onto Le Chapeau de Rubans! © Kelly McBride Loft