How to make Benedictine. Louisville recipe a perfect appetizer for the Kentucky Derby

What's green and scream Louisville original? 

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

Jennie C. Benedict created the popular spread. She was an editor for Courier Journal's "Household" section many years ago and her recipe lives on as a southern staple. 

This is one of the Derby classic recipes in the Courier Journal's database.

Benedictine spread

• 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

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.