I'm not sure I ever watched the Kentucky Derby as a child. I certainly have no memories of it.

The horse race came into my life through Alex's grandmother. She wasn't a huge racing fan but she always watched the Derby. Towards the end of her life, when she was living in Columbus near us, we spent several spring Saturdays cheering on riders together.

Though Gram is no longer alive, we continue the tradition of watching colorful jockeys every Derby Day. We drink mint juleps with fresh mint from the backyard and usually throw in a few other culinary nods to Ohio's southern border state.

Last year I wanted to create a Kentucky Derby pie. I had tasted one before that a long lost friend made. Searching the internet revealed a variety of pies, most containing corn syrup or other evils. I imagined I could do better with natural ingredients.

Experimenting resulted in a dense, walnut studded pie with dark chocolate, one I will make again this Saturday. The one-bowl pie is easy to bake up for Derby Day or any time.

Kentucky Derby Pie Serves 12 Time: 1 hour

1 pie crust, unbaked 1/2 cup flour 1 cup sugar 2 eggs, beaten 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly 3 ounces bourbon 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup dark chocolate pieces or bar, chopped 1 cup walnuts, chopped

1. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F. 2. Line 9 or 10 inch pie plate with unbaked pie crust and form edges. 3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, eggs, butter, bourbon, vanilla, and salt. 4. Stir in chocolate and walnuts until they are well incorporated. 5. Pour filling into prepared pie crust. 6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the filling comes out clean. 7. Allow to cool slightly before cutting.