When it comes to appetizers that can elevate any party or gathering, Benedictine Spread stands out as a true classic. This delightful concoction, a harmonious blend of cucumber and cream cheese, offers a refreshing and tangy flavor that is sure to tantalize the taste buds. Whether served as a dip with your favorite chips or crackers, or spread on sandwiches and canapés, Benedictine Spread is a versatile and crowd - pleasing option. And what better occasion to serve it than at a Kentucky Derby party, where its light and fresh taste complements the festive atmosphere perfectly.
Let's start by gathering the ingredients needed to make this delicious spread. You will need:
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and grated
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- A pinch of sugar
Once you have all the ingredients ready, the first step is to prepare the cucumber. Grate the cucumber using a fine - grater. After grating, place the cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This is a crucial step as excess moisture can make the spread too runny. The goal is to have a firm and well - textured spread.
Next, take the softened cream cheese and place it in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy. This will ensure that the final spread has a consistent texture. As you beat the cream cheese, you can start adding the other ingredients one by one.
Add the finely chopped fresh dill to the cream cheese. Dill not only adds a wonderful herbaceous flavor but also gives the spread a beautiful green hue. The fresh aroma of dill is very inviting and pairs well with the cucumber. Then, pour in the lemon juice. The lemon juice adds a bright and acidic note that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese, making the spread more refreshing.
Now, it's time to add the Worcestershire sauce. This sauce adds a depth of flavor and a bit of umami to the spread. It gives the Benedictine Spread a savory edge that makes it even more appealing. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and a pinch of sugar. The salt enhances the flavors, the black pepper adds a subtle spiciness, and the sugar balances out the acidity from the lemon juice.
After adding all the ingredients, continue to beat the mixture until everything is well - combined. You can use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure that all the ingredients are incorporated. Once the spread is smooth and all the flavors are melded together, it's time to fold in the grated cucumber. Gently fold the cucumber into the cream cheese mixture until it is evenly distributed.
Now that your Benedictine Spread is ready, you can serve it in a variety of ways. For a simple and elegant presentation, transfer the spread to a serving bowl and garnish it with a sprig of fresh dill. You can serve it with a selection of crackers, whether they are buttery Ritz crackers, whole - wheat crackers, or even fancy artisanal crackers. The crunch of the crackers pairs perfectly with the smoothness of the spread.
If you want to get a bit more creative, you can use the spread to make sandwiches. Spread a generous amount of the Benedictine Spread on slices of white or whole - wheat bread. You can add some lettuce and tomato for an extra layer of freshness and crunch. Cut the sandwiches into small triangles or squares to make them perfect bite - sized appetizers. Another option is to use the spread on canapés. Top small pieces of toasted baguette or crostini with the spread and add a thin slice of cucumber or a piece of smoked salmon for an upscale touch.
When serving Benedictine Spread at a Kentucky Derby party, you can also get into the theme. You can use mint sprigs for garnish, as mint is often associated with the Kentucky Derby through the famous Mint Julep. You can also serve the spread alongside other traditional Kentucky Derby snacks like bourbon - glazed nuts or pimento cheese. The light and fresh nature of the Benedictine Spread makes it a great addition to the rich and indulgent flavors that are often found at these parties.
In conclusion, making Benedictine Spread at home is a simple and rewarding process. It allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. Whether you are hosting a Kentucky Derby party or just having a casual get - together with friends and family, this spread is sure to be a hit. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and start making this delicious appetizer today!