Belmont Stakes!

Featuring Rich Strike at 9-2…

Last but not least in the trident of horse races, is the Belmont Stakes. While this year is not bringing the possibility of a Triple Crown winner, it is still an exciting day for us racing enthusiasts. 

Rich Strike, the winner of the Kentucky Derby, got a nice 5-week rest to gear up for the Belmont, which gives him the opportunity to complete the Derby-Belmont Double. This has only been accomplished 11 times, the last back in 1995. Others to run with Rich Strike are Mo Donegal, the favorite at 5-2, We The People, and Creative Minister.

The line-up

There are 4 additional horses in the lineup and there are a few predictions that one of the longshots may take the trophy home this year. Since I live in a place that doesn’t allow horse betting I won’t be losing any money no matter who takes Win, Place, or Show.

We will, however, win when it comes to the food.

While the Derby had Southern flare foods and the Preakness offers traditional Maryland crab cakes, the Belmont pays homage to New York. 

Let’s start with a cocktail. Each race has its signature drink and the Belmont is no different. The Belmont Stakes has named their signature cocktail the Belmont Jewel. Here’s the recipe, which was found on the official Belmont Stakes website:

Belmont Jewel Cocktail

1.5 oz Knob Creek Bourbon

2 oz lemonade

1 oz pomegranate juice

Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice and serve in a rocks glass or signature Belmont Stakes glass.

Food

We are talking New York here so think; Hot Dogs, Wings, Pizza,

Lobster Rolls, Pretzels, or Lobster Newberg. For dessert, nothing is

 more New York than Cheesecake.

I happen to have some lobster in the freezer from Know Seafood and wings from Butcher Box. Both have been a great fit for us in the realm of subscription boxes and you can actually save…click on the links above to try them out for yourself. 

So, my choice for the food is narrowed down to Lobster Rolls or Lobster Newberg. I am leaning towards the Newberg only because I have such fond memories of the two times my mother made it when I was a child. My husband will most likely choose the Lobster Rolls.

Then I will offer the option of chicken wings or pizza. I know, I know, who has Lobster and Wings, or Pizza and Lobster?

THIS GAL!

Just kidding…or am I? 

As for the Cheesecake, I will use my Quick Cooker to make this Strawberry Cheesecake. Remember the strawberry jam I just made? Well, I set some berries aside, added some sugar, and lightly mashed them to make a topping. I popped it in the freezer until I’m ready for race day.

But wait, there’s more! 

If you are looking for more delicious ideas, check out this guide from Edible Long Island. There is a beautiful Heirloom Tomato Pizza that I think would go perfectly with Lobster Newberg!

What do you think? I would love to see what you’re making this weekend. Post your pics here!