tea sandwiches

recipes

Cucumber and No Crust Makes the Perfect Summer Sandwich

While I love an overstuffed sub, some occasions call for a daintier sandwich.

While I love an overstuffed sub, some occasions call for a daintier sandwich. One of my favorites is the traditional cucumber and cream cheese sandwich served at high tea. On this week's episode of Between the Bread, I show you how to make the American version with this recipe for a Benedictine cheese sandwich. Created in Louisville, KY, at the turn of the century, this crustless sandwich combines cucumber, cream cheese, and scallions and is perfect for serving at a bridal shower, a luncheon, or a sophisticated picnic. Watch the video to learn how to make this easy, chic sandwich this Summer.

Cooking Basics

Quick Tip: Don't Forget This Step When Storing Tea Sandwiches

Picnics, brunches, and tea parties call for tea sandwiches, but those delicate bites tend to dry out in a flash.

Picnics, brunches, and tea parties call for tea sandwiches, but those delicate bites tend to dry out in a flash. What's the solution? Dampen a paper towel, wring out any excess water, and cover the tops of the sandwiches before you store them in an airtight container and pop them into the fridge. The damp paper towel will keep the bread hydrated plus it acts as a protective barrier from the air. Keeping the tea sandwiches wrapped until the second you plan to serve or eat them will also prevent them from drying out.

sandwiches

3 Finger Sandwiches Inspired by Classic English Teatime Snacks

In America, finger sandwiches are reserved for special-occasion brunches, but in the UK, these small sandwiches are traditionally served daily during afternoon teatime.

In America, finger sandwiches are reserved for special-occasion brunches, but in the UK, these small sandwiches are traditionally served daily during afternoon teatime. This assortment of sandwiches highlights classic British fillings, like watercress, cucumber, and salmon.

If you've never had watercress, its texture is like a cross between kale and spinach, with fibrous stems but buttery soft leaves. It has a fairly bitter flavor, but the contrast of butter helps to cut that out, and whole wheat bread adds natural sweetness from the oats.

Another standard combination that can't be missed is cucumber and cream cheese. Instead of falling back on dill, try the less-traditional addition of mint, a light and refreshing Summer herb.

Smoked salmon and lemon make for another classic duo; the two go together like, well, bread and butter. Savory mayonnaise bonds the flavors (and the bread pieces).

Tea sandwiches are easy to assemble, have sufficient sustenance for a casual afternoon pick-me-up, and are dainty enough to serve guests alongside refined refreshments. Learn how to make the simple tea sandwiches.

sandwiches

'Wich of the Week: Benedictine Cheese Tea Sandwiches

I love the tiny sandwiches, scones, and petit fours served at afternoon tea, but rarely do I make dainty crustless sandwiches at home.

I love the tiny sandwiches, scones, and petit fours served at afternoon tea, but rarely do I make dainty crustless sandwiches at home. So for today's 'Wich of the Week, I used the Kentucky Derby as an excuse to make some teatime treats. These ladylike sandwiches are filled with Benedictine cheese, a creamy cucumber-and-scallion spread that's native to Louisville and often served on Derby Day.

The Benedictine is a twist on the usual cucumber and cream cheese sandwich, which is by far one of my favorite teatime combos. These sandwiches benefit from the added kick of scallions; in fact, they were so flavorful that no one even complained about the low-fat cream cheese. The only somewhat odd ingredient is green food coloring, but since that's the tradition, I went with it, and it gave the spread a nice pastel hue. To see how I made them, including a step-by-step photo gallery, read more

Baby Showers

Tea Party: Food and Beverages

It's pretty obvious that tea will be the beverage of choice at this baby shower whether you choose to serve it piping hot or iced with lemon.

It's pretty obvious that tea will be the beverage of choice at this baby shower whether you choose to serve it piping hot or iced with lemon.

And, what goes better with the herbal elixir than savory finger sandwiches and sugary treats? From the traditional cucumber to the more worldly roasted turkey and mango chutney, tea sandwiches are a fun way for guests to sample several flavors on a plate.

Get creative with the nibblers by shaping them into bottles, teddy bears and baby feet with cookie cutters. To see what's for dessert, read more

Come Party With Me

Come Party With Me: Book Party - Menu (Sweet)

Gorgeous cookies decorated to look like little packages are perfect for my Pride & Prejudice themed party.

Gorgeous cookies decorated to look like little packages are perfect for my Pride & Prejudice themed party. Elegantly placed on a variety of plates at different heights, these cookies will enhance the look of the party. I'll pair them with a decadent box of store bought chocolate truffles to round out a light snack menu of grissini with prosscuito and tea sandwiches. These cookies take a while to prepare, so if you are short on time make a quick, tried and trusted cookie recipe or simply buy pretty cookies from your favorite local baker. However if you're like me and couldn't imagine not having a homemade dessert at any party, get the recipe for these delicious treats, just read more

Come Party With Me

Come Party With Me: Book Party - Menu (Savory)

The book party that I'm planning begins in the late afternoon - between lunch and dinner - so a light, afternoon snack will be great for guests.


The book party that I'm planning begins in the late afternoon - between lunch and dinner - so a light, afternoon snack will be great for guests. Choose dishes that fit the theme, time, and tone of your book. If certain foods play a prominent role in the book, make variations of those dishes. Pride & Prejudice will be the topic of discussion, and since it's a book about the fabulous frivolity of girls, the menu will consist of appropriately girlie dishes. Wrap long, skinny breadsticks with paper thin slices of proscuitto. An assortment of homemade tea sandwiches are dainty, bite sized, and perfect to munch on while chatting about the delicious Mr. Darcy. You can find the all vegetarian recipes for radish, apple and cheddar, and goat cheese chive tea sandwiches if you read more