Here's the original Benedictine spread recipe to make for the Kentucky Derby

When putting together your menu of eats for the Kentucky Derby, don’t forget Louisville’s favorite spread.

That is, of course, Benedictine. The cucumber and cream cheese spread is usually served between slices of bread as finger sandwiches and comes with a green tint.

Jennie C. Benedict, once a famous Louisville caterer and a former editor for the Courier Journal's "Household" section, created the popular recipe near the beginning of the 20th century.

More than 100 years later, it has become a go-to item for celebrating the Kentucky Derby.

Here is Benedict’s original and namesake recipe from The Courier Journal's archives.

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 reporter Amanda Hancock at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Try this original Benedictine spread recipe for the Kentucky Derby