Are you dreaming of a sophisticated High Tea experience, but intimidated by the culinary details? Fear not! This recipe for classic cucumber sandwiches is surprisingly simple and guarantees a delicious, elegant addition to your afternoon spread. These delightful finger sandwiches are a staple of High Tea, offering a refreshing and subtly flavorful bite that's perfect for a gathering with friends or a quiet moment of self-indulgence. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of white bread (thinly sliced is best)
- 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (optional, but highly recommended!)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning of cucumber)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber
The key to a perfect cucumber sandwich lies in the preparation of the cucumber. Peel your cucumber, remove the seeds (this reduces excess moisture), and thinly slice it. You can use a mandoline slicer for perfectly even slices, but a sharp knife works just fine. For best results, gently pat the cucumber slices with paper towels to remove excess moisture. A sprinkle of lemon juice can also help prevent browning.
Step 2: Butter the Bread
Gently spread softened butter evenly onto one side of each slice of bread. Don't overload; a thin, even layer is all you need.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Lay four slices of buttered bread butter-side up. Arrange the cucumber slices neatly on top of the buttered bread, slightly overlapping if necessary. Sprinkle with freshly chopped dill (if using) and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Complete the Sandwiches
Top with the remaining slices of buttered bread, butter-side down. Gently press down to create a neat sandwich.
Step 5: Cut and Serve
Use a sharp knife to carefully cut the crusts off each sandwich. Then, cut each sandwich in half, or into quarters, depending on your preference. Arrange the sandwiches on a plate and serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Tips for Perfect Cucumber Sandwiches:
- Bread matters: Thinly sliced white bread is traditional, but you can experiment with other types of bread if desired. Just ensure it's soft and not too dense.
- Butter temperature: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This ensures easy spreading and prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
- Cucumber moisture: Removing excess moisture from the cucumber is crucial for preventing soggy sandwiches.
- Presentation: Take your time to arrange the cucumber slices neatly for an elegant presentation.
Variations:
- Cream cheese: For a richer flavor, substitute cream cheese for some or all of the butter.
- Herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as chives or mint, in addition to or instead of dill.
- Spices: A pinch of white pepper can add a subtle kick.
Nutritional Information (per sandwich, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on bread and butter type)
- Fat: Approximately 8-12g
- Protein: Approximately 4-6g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This simple recipe for cucumber sandwiches is perfect for High Tea, a light lunch, or an elegant afternoon snack. The refreshing combination of cucumber and butter makes these sandwiches a delightful treat, ideal for both beginners and experienced cooks alike. Enjoy!