A Louisville original: Here's a Kentucky Benedictine spread recipe for the Kentucky Derby

Dahlia Ghabour, Louisville Courier Journal
·1 min read

What's green and known as a Louisville original?

No, not the statue of Louis XVI downtown. And not the Ohio River.

The answer is Benedictine spread. The cucumber and cream cheese spread is served up as finger sandwiches, especially for Kentucky Derby.

Jennie C. Benedict, a former editor for the Courier Journal's "Household" section, created the popular spread years ago. It's now a classic recipe synonymous with the "Run for the Roses."

Here is her original Kentucky Derby recipe from The Courier Journal's archives.

Derby 101What time is the Kentucky Derby? Here's your complete guide to the 2023 race

Kentucky Benedictine spread recipe

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened

  • 3 tablespoons cucumber juice

  • 1 tablespoon onion juice

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • A few grains of cayenne pepper

  • 2 drops green food coloring

Directions: To get the juice, peel and grate a cucumber, then wrap in a clean dish towel and squeeze juice into a dish. Discard pulp.

Do the same for the onion. Mix all ingredients with a fork until well blended. Using a blender will make the spread too runny.

Reach features reporter Dahlia Ghabour at dghabour@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: What is the Benedictine? Try this classic recipe for your Derby party