May Celebrations in Full Flavor: Derby, Cinco, and Mother’s Day

May kicks off in full flavor, bringing a trio of celebrations that invite us to gather, sip, and savor the moment. From the pageantry of the Kentucky Derby to the vibrant flair of Cinco de Mayo and the heartfelt traditions of Mother’s Day, this month offers the perfect excuse to bring friends and family together around the table.

Whether you’re mixing up classic mint juleps, serving zesty tacos and margaritas, or planning a brunch that shows Mom just how much she’s loved, these three occasions are all about good food, festive drinks, and meaningful connection. Let’s make the most of May with recipes, ideas, and inspiration to celebrate each moment deliciously!

The Kentucky Derby 

Few events capture the charm and tradition of the South quite like the Kentucky Derby. Known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” the Derby is as much about pageantry, fashion, and food as it is about horse racing. From wide-brimmed hats to the unmistakable clink of ice in a silver cup, Derby day invites guests to slow down and savor time-honored flavors. No celebration is complete without a slice of rich, chocolatey Kentucky Derby Pie and a refreshing mint julep in hand—a cocktail steeped in history and Southern hospitality. Together, these iconic staples tell a story that goes far beyond Churchill Downs, blending culinary tradition with the spirit of a race that has defined generations.

Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe

This decadent dessert, known for its gooey center and nutty crunch, has become a Derby Day staple across the country. While the original recipe is closely guarded, this homemade version delivers the same rich flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1 cup chopped pecans

• 3 large eggs

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Sprinkle chocolate chips and chopped pecans evenly into the unbaked pie crust.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.

4. Stir in melted butter, flour, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.

5. Pour the filling over the chocolate chips and pecans.

6. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly browned.

7. Allow pie to cool before slicing to let the filling firm up.

Serve slightly warm or at room temperature, ideally with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Denny Kurtz’s Mint Julep Recipe

Try my father-in-law’s mint julep recipe, recorded by his wife and enjoyed by family and friends for nearly 100 years.

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El Jimador Mexican Grill: Honoring Cinco de Mayo Through Family and Food

Cinco de Mayo, celebrated on May 5, commemorates Mexico’ s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It has since become a vibrant celebration of Mexican heritage and culture in the United States, featuring parades, music, dancing, and traditional foods like tamales and mole.

El Jimador Mexican Grill in Smithville captures this festive spirit through authentic Mexican cuisine and family tradition.

The menu blends familiar Mexican-American favorites with a stronger focus on authentic Mexican dishes, which helps give the restaurant a distinct identity in the local dining scene. That effort shows in the house-made salsas and spices, which add freshness and depth to the meal, along with table-made guacamole that brings a personal touch to the table. Rather than feeling generic, the food has a more handcrafted quality that makes it stand out from many other Mexican restaurants nearby.

Several dishes are especially memorable. The Quesabirria taco is a highlight, with slow-cooked beef and a side of au jus for dipping that makes each bite rich and satisfying. The Baja fish taco is another strong choice, built around a large fried filet of fish that gives it a hearty texture and plenty of flavor. Along with those specialties, the restaurant still delivers the dependable classics diners expect, including fajitas, tacos, and combination plates served hot and generously portioned.

One of the restaurant’s biggest strengths is the service. The staff has a reputation for being friendly and attentive, creating the impression that guests are being treated more like neighbors than transactions. That warmth matters, especially in a smaller town where personality can turn an ordinary meal into a memorable one. When service is upbeat and efficient, the whole experience feels smoother, and El Jimador seems to understand that well.

The atmosphere is casual and lively, with the energy you would expect from a popular local dining spot. It is not trying to be fine dining, and that works in its favor. The emphasis is on comfort, consistency, and a good time with straightforward food and drink options. If you are looking for a polished culinary showcase, this may not be the place, but if you want a dependable Mexican restaurant with generous plates, standout specialties, and a welcoming staff, it fits the bill.

El Jimador Mexican Grill succeeds by delivering what many diners want most: familiar flavors, authentic touches, fair portions, and a friendly place to sit down and eat. It is the sort of restaurant that can easily become part of a regular routine, especially for people who value consistency over flash. In Smithville, that makes it a welcome addition to the dining scene.

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Smithville Dads and Kids Cook Up a Sweet Mother’s Day Surprise 

It is often said that one of the most important things a dad can do is teach his children to love and respect their mother and all women. In Smithville, Mother’s Day offers a perfect chance to put that lesson into action with a simple breakfast made at home by dads and kids together.

This year, families can keep the celebration easy with a breakfast pizza that feels special without taking all morning in the kitchen. It is the kind of meal children can help prepare, and Mom will appreciate the effort just as much as the food.

•​Salt and pepper, to taste.

•​Optional toppings: chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, or cooked spinach.

Directions

1.​Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2.​Place the pizza crust on a greased baking sheet or pizza pan and bake for 5 minutes.

3.​While the crust bakes, whisk the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

4.​Melt the butter in a skillet and scramble the egg mixture until just set.

5.​Spread the scrambled eggs over the crust.

6.​Sprinkle the cheese and bacon over the top.

7.​Bake for 6 to 8 minutes more, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8.​Slice and serve warm.

For a complete Mother’s Day breakfast, add fresh fruit, orange juice or a simple yogurt parfait. Kids can help stir, sprinkle toppings, and set the table, turning breakfast into a family project from start to finish.

A handmade card, a flower from the yard and a little extra cleanup afterward can make the morning even more meaningful. For Smithville families, the day is not about perfection, it is about love, effort and time spent together.

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About the Author 

Mark MyGrant is a retired educator turned food writer and blogger.

To read more view Mark’s blog at Whatscookingsmithville.com