Monday, June 27, 2016

Cucumber Sandwiches




I know what you're thinking. A recipe for cucumber sandwiches? Really? What's the big deal? Bread, cucumbers, cut off the crusts.

Aha! There are two teensy tricks to making a really great cucumber sandwich. And, by the way, did you know that the lowly, unimpressive cucumber sandwich was declared to be the most refreshing and cooling food one can eat during a heat wave? No kidding! Apparently, the cucumber is just the right temperature and texture to regulate body heat! And it's even better washed down with tea!

So what are tricks? The first is to use butter. No margarine allowed. The sad fact is that the taste is just off if you don't use real butter.

The second tiny but oh-so-important trick is to salt the cucumber slices slightly. That makes them weep, which prevents the sandwiches from being soggy!

Let them weep!
 
I'm going to add a third little trick. Garnish them. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. But remember that people will be picking them up with their fingers, so don't load them with anything heavy that will tumble off as soon as they're touched. In the photos, I used a teensy slice of red pepper for color and a little slice of cucumber that I folded. Use your imagination and don't be afraid to be creative. But keep it small.


Cucumber Sandwiches

½ cucumber

salt

good quality soft white bread

unsalted butter (or mayonnaise)


Peel the cucumber and slice as thin as possible. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and allow to drain in a colander for about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, allow butter to soften at room temperature. Butter the bread. Pat the cucumber slices dry. Layer them on the bread, overlapping them. Cut off the crusts. Cut the sandwiches into narrow bite-sized rectangles, or dainty triangles.


14 comments:

  1. Ah, memories... When I was in college, I had an art history professor who was from England. Toward the end of our senior year my friends and I invited him to our dorm for high tea, and we served cucumber sandwiches. He ate them with good cheer and survived.

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    1. What a good sport. I bet he appreciated the gesture!

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  2. Saving this recipe for my book club's English Tea. It came just a little too late for this year's tea which was June 23.

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    1. Oh no! That's too bad. I trust the Tea went well?

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  3. This sounds so refreshing and delish, Krista! Thanks for the recipe AND those good tips. XO MJ

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    1. Canadians are second only to England in their fancy teas, Mary Jane. I should have come to you for recipes!

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  4. I had no idea cucumber sandwiches were so complex! :) Great tips!

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  5. Love the photos and tips, Kirsta, and the spots of color on top of the bread. What a lovely addition to an afternoon tea. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful week!

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  6. Aren't those pretty. The tip is great!!! Pretty tea cup, too.

    ~Daryl

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  7. Now I want to have a tea party. Thanks for recipe and tips.

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  8. Now I want to have a tea party. Thanks for recipe and tips.

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  9. I have to admit that I like my cucumber sandwiches with real mayo. I have never tried butter. One of these days I will do that!

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  10. Such a light and refreshing snack, thanks Krista! p.s. LOVE the new book! :-)

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