Kentucky Derby Benedictine Tea Sandwiches

These simple cucumber, onion & cream cheese
tea sandwiches have been a popular part
of Kentucky Derby fare ever since they
first were created in 1892 by  Louisville,
 Kentucky caterer Jennie Benidict.

Ingredients:

1 large English cucumber

1/4 of a medium white onion

1 (8 ounce) package of cream cheese, at room temperature

1/2 tablespoon green Tabasco sauce**

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1 or 2 drops green food coloring, optional

1/2 English cucumber, optional

16 slices fresh white bread

tiny dill sprigs, optional

Method:

Peel the cucumber and cut in half across the middle. Cut each piece in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds with a small spoon and discard.

Use the large side of a grater to grate the cucumber and place in a seive or colander. Grate the onion and add to the seive with the cucmber. Sprinkle the salt on top and stir lightly to mix.

Use a bowl scraper or spoon to press down on the mixture to help excess liquid to drain. Allow to sit for 10 minutes, pressing every couple of minutes.

Add the cucumber mixture, cream cheese, tabasco and food coloring to a food processor or mixing bowl. Pulse or beat just until all of the ingredients are combined. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight to allow the flavors to blend.

If desired, peel the half cucumber. Use a fork to scrape vertical lines down every side of the cucumber. Cut 24 very thin slices and set aside. (The slices will slightly resemble little flowers.)

Use a serrated knife to cut the crusts off of the bread slices. Carefully spread 3 tablespoons of the cucumber mixture onto 8 slices of bread. Top with the remaining slices of bread. Carefully cut each sandwich into 3 equal portions.

Top each tea sandwich with a thin slice of cucumber or tiny sprig of dill. Place on a plater and cover with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Makes 24 tea sandwiches.

**Any green hot sauce may be used. (Use less if you prefer a little less spice.) A pinch of cayenne pepper may be substituted for the hot sauce.

Notes:

Traditionally, the filling is tinted green, but you may omit the coloring without effecting the flavor of the sandwiches.

The creator of this recipe, Jennie Benedict was a famous caterer. She had her own tea room where she served these hugely popular sandwiches that are a staple at Kentucky Derby watch parties.