Kentucky Derby Benedictine Tea (Printable Version)

Light cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches with dill and chives, ideal for Southern-style elegant brunches or snacks.

# What You'll Need:

→ Spread

01 - 1 large English cucumber, peeled and seeded
02 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
05 - 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
06 - 1 tablespoon grated onion
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
09 - 2-3 drops green food coloring, optional

→ Sandwich Assembly

10 - 12 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, optional

# Method:

01 - Grate the cucumber using a fine grater. Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, dill, chives, grated onion, salt, and white pepper. Mix until smooth.
03 - Stir in the drained cucumber and mix until well blended. Add green food coloring if desired and mix until the color is uniform.
04 - If using, lightly butter one side of each slice of bread to prevent sogginess.
05 - Spread a generous layer of the Benedictine mixture on half of the bread slices. Top with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
06 - Gently press and trim crusts if needed. Cut each sandwich into quarters as rectangles or triangles.
07 - Arrange on a platter and serve immediately, or cover with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Refreshing and light cucumber spread perfect for Southern-inspired gatherings.
  • Easy to prepare with no cooking involved, ready in just 15 minutes.
  • Delicate and elegant tea sandwiches ideal for brunches, teas, or snacks.
  • Vegetarian-friendly and customizable with optional bread and garnishes.
02 -
  • Use very fresh white sandwich bread and remove crusts for the best texture and appearance.
  • Squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated cucumber to prevent sogginess.
  • Optional green food coloring adds a traditional pale green hue but does not affect flavor.
  • Lightly buttering bread slices delays moisture absorption and keeps sandwiches fresh longer.
  • Cut sandwiches into triangles or rectangles for varied presentation.
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