Kentucky Benedictine Spread

 This recipe was made by Martha Stewart on the TODAY show. Blogger JCP EATS tells the history- it's an interesting story. Benedictine was created by Jennie Carter Benedict, a caterer and restaurateur from Derby City (Louisville, KY). She started catering in 1893 and opened a restaurant/tea room called Benedict's in 1900. While Benedictine has received international acclaim in publications, no one does it quite like we do in Kentucky. We served it with Thin Pretzel Crisps too.

1/2 large hothouse cucumber, peeled and seeded 

1 shallot, finely diced 

8 ounces cream cheese,softened 

1/4 cup sour cream 

1 tablespoon mayonnaise 

1 tablespoon green hotsauce,such as Tabasco ( I only had red and that was fine)

koshersalt, to taste 

assorted carrots, celery, sugarsnap peas, to serve

1. Grate the cucumber into a bowl lined with a strainer and cheesecloth. Pressthe excessliquid out of the cucumber. 

2. Combine drained cucumber,shallot, cream cheese,sour cream, mayonnaise, green Tabasco and koshersalt in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the mixture issmooth. 

3. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and serve with assorted carrots, celery and sugarsnap peas.