T'S BENEDICTINE TEA SANDWICHES

T'S BENEDICTINE TEA SANDWICHES image

Provided by Teresa G. @sokygal

Categories Spreads

Number Of Ingredients 12

FOR THE SPREAD
8 ounce(s) cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoon(s) cucumber juice (1 medium small fresh cucumber)
1 tablespoon(s) sweet onion juice (1 small onion)
1/4 to 1/3 teaspoon(s) salt
1/2 teaspoon(s) lemon juice
5 drops - green food color gel (optional)
FOR SANDWICH ASSEMBLY
- bread slices, crusts removed (white bread is traditional, but use what you like)
- prepared benedictine
- crisp cooked bacon slices
- quick pickled cucumber slices (optional, see *note)

Steps:

Peel cucumber; grate over a bowl, using a micro plane or fine grater.
Pour pulp and juice into a coffee filter placed in a small strainer over small bowl; gather ends of filter and gently squeeze and press to release juice into bowl.
Measure 3 tablespoons cucumber juice into another small bowl. Discard remaining juice and pulp.
Repeat process with onion for 1 tablespoon juice to add to cucumber juice.
To combined juices, add 1/4 to 1/3 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice and 5 drops of green food color gel; stir and mix well; set aside.
In a small mixing bowl, use a fork to mash cream cheese well (or you may use a mixer.)
Gradually add juice, mixing and mashing with fork (or mixer)until well incorporated and smooth.
Cover and refrigerate (for up to one week) before serving.
To assemble sandwiches, cut each piece of crustless bread into 4 equal squares or 3 equal rectangles using a serrated knife.
Spread benedictine on each piece of bread.
Place 1/2 strip of bacon on half of the rectangles, or place 1/3 strip of bacon on 1/2 of the squares; place pickled cucumber slices on bacon, if using.
Place remaining pieces, benedictine side down, on pieces with bacon.
Cover and refrigerate until served. Serve cold or room temperature.
*Note: Link for quick pickles https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/side/vegetable/moms-quick-pickles.html?p=1