Picture this: a sunlit garden, the gentle clinking of teacups, and the soft murmur of conversations. Cucumber sandwiches—simple, yet sophisticated—have this uncanny ability to transport me back to those idyllic summer afternoons. Sometimes, I swear, the crisp crunch of a cucumber slice can whisper secrets of the past, or maybe that’s just the nostalgia talking.
Steps
- Prepare the cucumbers by placing thin slices on a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Lightly sprinkle with salt and let them sit for 20 minutes. Pat them dry with additional paper towels, and add more salt if needed for taste.
- Lay out the bread slices on a cutting board. Spread each slice generously with softened butter or cream cheese, using about 1-2 teaspoons per slice, depending on the bread size.
- Arrange cucumber slices on half of the bread slices, overlapping them to cover the surface. If the slices are thin, create two layers; if thick, one layer will suffice. Add pepper to the cucumber slices and any optional toppings like herbs or zest, then top with another slice of bread.
- Firmly press down on the sandwiches, remove the crusts, and cut them into your preferred shapes—rectangles, triangles, or quarters. Maintain neatness in the cuts.
- Place the finished sandwiches on platters or plates for serving.
Ingredients
- 1/2 English cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/8 teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste
- 8 slices of white bread, such as Pepperidge Farm Very Thin White
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter or cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/8 teaspoon ground white or black pepper
- Optional: watercress, mint leaves, lemon zest, dill, chives, or parsley
- 2 English cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste
- 40 slices of white bread, such as Pepperidge Farm Very Thin White
- 2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter or cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white or black pepper
- Optional: watercress, mint leaves, lemon zest, dill, chives, or parsley
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1084 | Fat: 56g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Cholesterol: 124mg | Sodium: 1480mg | Carbohydrates: 128g | Dietary Fiber: 8g | Total Sugars: 16g | Protein: 24g | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 388mg | Iron: 8mg | Potassium: 476mg
FAQ
- What are cucumber tea sandwiches?
- Cucumber tea sandwiches are simple, delicate sandwiches made with thinly sliced cucumbers placed between slices of bread spread with butter or cream cheese. They are perfect for events like Mother’s Day brunches or baby showers and are a nod to the tradition of afternoon tea from the 1800s.
- Which type of bread is best for cucumber sandwiches?
- The ideal bread for cucumber sandwiches is soft, thinly sliced white bread, such as Pepperidge Farm Very Thin White. This choice ensures that the subtle flavors of the butter or cream cheese and cucumbers remain the highlight.
- What type of cucumbers should be used for tea sandwiches?
- English cucumbers, also known as burpless or European cucumbers, are the best choice for tea sandwiches. They have smaller seeds and thinner skins compared to regular cucumbers, making them ideal. If using regular cucumbers, it’s advisable to peel them and remove the seeds to avoid excess moisture.
- Can cucumber sandwiches be made in advance?
- To prevent sogginess, it’s best to assemble cucumber sandwiches a few hours before serving. However, some preparation can be done a day ahead, such as spreading butter or cream cheese on the bread and slicing the cucumbers.
- What can be served alongside cucumber sandwiches at a party?
- Cucumber sandwiches pair well with items like lemon loaf cake, mini quiches, or chocolate truffles, among others. Drinks such as mint and lemon verbena tea or crisp chilled white wine can complement the sandwiches beautifully at a party.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: Opt for soft, thinly sliced white bread to ensure the delicate flavors of the cucumbers and cream cheese or butter are showcased without overpowering them.
- Prepare Cucumbers Properly: Use English cucumbers for their smaller seeds and thinner skin. Slice them very thinly, preferably with a mandoline, and salt them to remove excess moisture, which helps to maintain the sandwiches’ texture.
- Get Creative with Additions: While keeping it simple is key, consider adding small amounts of ingredients like mint, dill, or lemon zest to enhance the flavor profile without overwhelming the cucumber’s freshness.
- Plan Ahead for Freshness: Assemble the sandwiches just a few hours before serving to prevent sogginess. You can prepare the components, like spreading butter or cream cheese on the bread and slicing cucumbers, a day in advance to save time on the day of serving.
Equipment
- Mandoline Slicer – Useful for slicing cucumbers paper-thin.
- Cake Stand – Handy for arranging sandwiches at different heights for a buffet presentation.
- Airtight Container – Necessary for storing assembled sandwiches to keep them fresh before serving.
- Teacups or Fancy Serving Platters – For serving juice or presenting sandwiches in a more elegant manner, especially if hosting a tea party.
