Real Recipes From Real Home Cooks ®

t's benedictine tea sandwiches

(2 ratings)
Recipe by
Teresa G.
Here, KY

Benedictine is a very unique green cucumber flavored spread that was born in my native state, Kentucky. These benedictine and bacon tea sandwiches are traditional Derby Day fare, but everyone loves them, so they're welcome anytime. They are wonderfully cool and delicious appetizers for cocktail parties, picnics or afternoon teas. Even folks who say they don't care for cucumbers love benedictine. This is my version of the Kentucky classic. (For vegetarians, just omit the bacon slices from the sandwich assembly.)

(2 ratings)
yield serving(s)
prep time 30 Min
method No-Cook or Other

Ingredients For t's benedictine tea sandwiches

  • FOR THE SPREAD
  • 8 oz
    cream cheese, softened
  • 3 Tbsp
    cucumber juice (1 medium small fresh cucumber)
  • 1 Tbsp
    sweet onion juice (1 small onion)
  • 1/2 tsp
    salt
  • 1/2 tsp
    lemon juice
  • 5 drops
    green food color gel (optional)
  • FOR SANDWICH ASSEMBLY
  • bread slices, crusts removed (white bread is traditional, but use what you like)
  • prepared benedictine
  • crisp cooked bacon slices
  • quick pickled cucumber slices (optional, see *note)

How To Make t's benedictine tea sandwiches

  • 1
    Peel cucumber; grate over a bowl, using a micro plane or fine grater.
  • 2
    Pour pulp and juice into a coffee filter placed in a small strainer over small bowl; gather ends of filter and gently squeeze and press to release juice into bowl.
  • 3
    Measure 3 tablespoons cucumber juice into another small bowl. Discard remaining juice and pulp.
  • 4
    Repeat process with onion for 1 tablespoon juice to add to cucumber juice.
  • 5
    To combined juices, add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice and 5 drops of green food color gel; stir and mix well; set aside.
  • Beating cream cheese with hand mixer.
    6
    Unwrap cream cheese, place in mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer to beat cream cheese well.
  • 7
    Gradually add juice, mixing until well incorporated and smooth.
  • 8
    Cover and refrigerate (for up to one week) before serving.
  • 9
    To assemble sandwiches, cut each piece of crustless bread into 4 equal squares or 3 equal rectangles using a serrated knife.
  • 10
    Spread benedictine on each piece of bread.
  • 11
    Place 1/2 strip of bacon on half of the rectangles, or place 1/3 strip of bacon on 1/2 of the squares; place pickled cucumber slices on bacon, if using.
  • 12
    Place remaining pieces, benedictine side down, on pieces with bacon.
  • 13
    Cover and refrigerate until served. Serve cold or room temperature.
  • 14
    *Note: Link for quick pickles https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/side/vegetable/moms-quick-pickles.html?p=1
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