Benedictine (spread) facts for kids
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Benedictine used as a dip, with sesame crackers
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| Alternative names | Benedictine spread |
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| Type | Sandwich filling, condiment, or dip |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Region or state | Louisville, Kentucky |
| Created by | Jennie Carter Benedict |
| Serving temperature | cold or room temperature |
| Main ingredients | Cucumbers, cream cheese |
| Ingredients generally used | onion, cayenne pepper, salt |
| Variations | Mayonnaise |
Benedictine is a tasty spread made mostly from cucumbers and cream cheese. It was created a long time ago, in the early 1900s. People first used it to make yummy cucumber sandwiches. Today, you can also enjoy it as a dip with crackers or veggies. Sometimes, it's even added to sandwiches with meat.
Benedictine is very popular in Louisville, Kentucky, where it was invented. You can often find it ready-made in grocery stores there. Even though it's mostly a Kentucky favorite, it has been featured in big magazines like The New York Times and on TV shows like those on the Food Network.
Who Invented Benedictine?
Benedictine was invented by a clever woman named Jennie Carter Benedict. She was a caterer, ran a restaurant, and wrote cookbooks in Louisville, Kentucky.
Jennie Benedict started her catering business in 1893. Then, in 1900, she opened her own restaurant and tea room called Benedict's. It's believed she created the Benedictine spread during her early catering days.
Jennie Benedict's cookbooks are still popular today. For example, her book The Blue Ribbon Cook Book was first published in 1902. It has been printed many times, even as recently as 2008. Newer versions of her cookbook even include the recipe for Benedictine spread!
What's in Benedictine?
The original Benedictine recipe used by Jennie Benedict had a few simple ingredients. These were reported by the Louisville Courier-Journal and NPR:
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsps. cucumber juice
- 1 tbsp. onion juice
- 1 tsp. salt
- A few tiny bits of cayenne pepper
- 2 drops green food coloring
To make the original spread, all these ingredients were mixed together very well with a fork.
Today, some recipes for Benedictine are a bit different. Instead of cucumber and onion juice, people often use grated or finely chopped cucumbers and onions. They might also add dill or other common spread ingredients. Modern recipes also tend to use less salt than the original.
