Kentucky Derby Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
Celebrate the spirit of the Kentucky Derby with these delightful cucumber tea sandwiches, a scrumptious twist on the classic Benedictine recipe. Combining the refreshing taste of cucumber with a creamy onion spread and a hint of spice, these sandwiches create a perfect party snack or light lunch that’s iconic in Kentucky traditions. Ideal for any gathering where fun and flavor meet, particularly during Derby season, they are sure to impress your guests with their vibrant green hue and elegant presentation.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
cucumber
1 medium (Peeled, halved, and seeded)
onion
1 small (Quartered)
cream cheese
1 (8-ounce) package (Softened)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
hot pepper sauce
1 dash
green food coloring
1 drop
white bread
1 loaf (Thinly sliced)
mayonnaise
To taste
parsley or watercress
For garnish
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling the cucumber and slicing it in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to remove the seeds from the center.
2
Place the peeled and halved cucumber in a food processor. Pulse the cucumber 5 times until finely minced.
3
Transfer the minced cucumber into a small colander set over a glass bowl. Sprinkle with salt, toss gently, and let it drain for about one hour to extract excess moisture.
4
Once drained, spread the cucumber on a dinner plate and use a paper towel to pat it dry further.
5
Transfer the cucumber to a medium-sized glass bowl. Add the quartered onion to the food processor and pulse until finely chopped; then mix it with the cucumber.
6
Incorporate the softened cream cheese into the cucumber and onion mixture and stir well using a spatula until fully combined.
7
Add a dash of hot pepper sauce and a drop of green food coloring to achieve the desired hue. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
8
Using a cookie or biscuit cutter, cut out rounds from the slices of white bread.
9
Spread a small amount of mayonnaise on each bread round. Top half of the rounds with a generous layer of the cucumber mixture, then place another round on top to create a sandwich.
10
Garnish each sandwich with a sprig of parsley or a piece of watercress for a touch of elegance.
11
Place finished sandwiches on a serving platter, cover them, and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy them chilled for the best flavor!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Kentucky Derby Cucumber Tea Sandwiches?
They are a scrumptious twist on the classic Benedictine recipe, featuring a refreshing cucumber and onion cream cheese spread served on white bread rounds.
How do I prepare the cucumber for the filling?
Peel the cucumber, slice it in half lengthwise, and use a small spoon to remove the seeds before pulsing it in a food processor.
Why do I need to salt the minced cucumber?
Salting the cucumber and letting it drain for an hour extracts excess moisture, preventing the sandwiches from becoming soggy.
How long should the cucumber drain?
The minced cucumber should be placed in a colander and allowed to drain over a bowl for approximately one hour.
Should I dry the cucumber after draining it?
Yes, after draining, spread the cucumber on a plate and pat it dry with a paper towel to ensure all excess moisture is removed.
How should I process the onion?
Quarter a small onion and pulse it in a food processor until it is finely chopped before mixing it with the cucumber.
What type of cream cheese is best for this recipe?
One 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese is recommended for easy mixing and a smooth consistency.
How do I get the sandwiches to have a green hue?
Add a single drop of green food coloring to the cream cheese mixture to achieve the iconic vibrant green color.
Is there any spice in these sandwiches?
Yes, a dash of hot pepper sauce is added to the mixture to provide a hint of spice and depth of flavor.
What kind of bread should be used?
Thinly sliced white bread is traditional for this recipe to keep the sandwiches light and elegant.
How do I create the round shape for the sandwiches?
Use a cookie or biscuit cutter to cut rounds from the slices of white bread before assembling the sandwiches.
Why is mayonnaise included in the assembly?
A small amount of mayonnaise is spread on each bread round to add flavor and act as a moisture barrier.
What are the recommended garnishes?
Garnish each sandwich with a sprig of parsley or a piece of watercress for an elegant presentation.
How should these sandwiches be stored before serving?
Place the finished sandwiches on a serving platter, cover them, and keep them in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
Should these be served warm or cold?
These sandwiches are best enjoyed chilled to maintain their refreshing flavor and creamy texture.
How many pulses are needed for the cucumber in the food processor?
Pulse the cucumber exactly 5 times to ensure it is finely minced without becoming a total puree.
Can I season the mixture further?
Yes, after mixing the ingredients, taste the spread and add additional salt and pepper if necessary.
What makes this a 'Kentucky Derby' recipe?
It is based on the traditional Benedictine spread which is iconic in Kentucky, especially during the Derby season.
How many ingredients are required?
There are 9 main ingredients: cucumber, onion, cream cheese, salt, hot pepper sauce, food coloring, white bread, mayonnaise, and parsley/watercress.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, the cream cheese, cucumber, and onion mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
Do I need to remove the cucumber seeds?
Yes, removing the seeds helps prevent the filling from becoming too watery and keeps the texture consistent.
Is the green food coloring mandatory?
The coloring is optional and used for aesthetic purposes to match the traditional look of Benedictine spread.
How do I mix the cream cheese with the vegetables?
Use a spatula to stir the softened cream cheese into the cucumber and onion mixture until it is fully combined.
Can I use different types of garnishes?
While parsley and watercress are traditional, you can use any small, fresh green herb that complements the flavor.
What is the primary flavor profile of these sandwiches?
They offer a refreshing, creamy, and mildly tangy flavor with a very subtle kick of heat.
Are these suitable for a party?
Yes, they are designed as a perfect party snack or light lunch, particularly for elegant gatherings.
How much salt is used initially?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt to toss with the cucumber for draining.
Can I use a different bread if I don't want white bread?
While white bread is classic, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free bread, though the texture and appearance will change.
How do I prevent the bread from tearing when cutting rounds?
Ensure you use fresh bread and a sharp cookie cutter, pressing straight down firmly.
What is the best way to serve them at a gathering?
Arrange them neatly on a decorative platter and keep them covered until the guests arrive to keep the bread from drying out.