Benedictine

What is Benedictine you ask? Simply put, they are cucumber sandwiches. A restaurant called Benedicts, located in Louisville, Kentucky, is responsible for creating this Kentucky Derby favorite.

How To Make Cucumber Sandwiches, Kentucky Derby Style

Ingredients

• 1 large cucumber, grated
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons onion, grated
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• dash green food coloring (optional)

To make it, start by grating the cucumber, skins and all. Wring it out in paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Combine with remaining ingredients in food processor and pulse until well combined. Can also use a hand mixer.

The most common way to eat benedictine is to make finger sandwiches by spreading the mixture on bread. In the photo above you can see that I cut the crust off of some white bread and used a diamond-shaped cookie cutter.

After spreading the mixture on the bread I threaded cherry tomatoes and black olives on decorative toothpicks before sticking them in the sandwiches.

You can also buy cocktail bread, like pumpernickel, but I prefer white bread. This mixture also makes a fantastic dip for veggies and crackers. I mean FANTASTIC!

Another Finger Sandwiches Recipe - Cranberry Chicken Salad

The cranberries make these Cranberry Chicken Salad finger sandwiches a bit sweeter than cucumber sandwiches. They are colorful and look great on a tray of canapes.

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 4 cups shredded chicken
• 1/4 cup onion
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Add mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper to a food processor and pulse until well blended.

Add chicken, onion and cranberries and pulse until mixture is well combined but still a bit chunky. If needed add a couple tablespoons of milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.

Spread cranberry chicken salad on bread squares and serve cold. Makes 24 finger sandwiches.

Click here for more Finger Sandwiches Recipes.