When I was catering at the Navarro County Women's Clubhouse Assn, I did many a Ladies' Tea. A few of our member book clubs and teachers' groups would have their meeting in Tea Style once a month. When there are that many Teas, I needed ways to change up the common, so each group would have a different version. Cucumber Sandwiches were among the favorites of the Spring Tea! Here's my favorite!
The Best Cucumber Sandwiches...I've adjusted the recipe to make a smaller serving, two whole sandwiches...you probably won't need the one for 24!
Ingredients:
Fresh cucumber, enough for 2 sandwiches, to your liking (we had Kirby; use seedless if you prefer)
2/3 cup of water mixed with 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
2 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 Tablespoon good Mayonnaise (Duke is a Southern favorite)
Pinch of Garlic Salt (technically, 1/4 of a quarter teaspoon...just a smidge)
Pinch of Onion Powder
A few drops Worcestershire Sauce (to taste... 1/4 of a dash) I used about a quarter of the 1/4 teaspoon measure
Chives, chopped, about a Tablespoon
Seas Salt or Kosher Salt to taste
Freshly Ground Pepper, if desired
Four slices of your favorite thin sliced bread...we had wheat on hand, but you can use white, rye or a whole grain wheat, too.
Stripe your cucumber with your vegetable peeler or a fork. Slice into enough for two sandwiches, filled to your liking. Some like double layer, some like single! It's all good.
Soak the sliced cucumbers in the mix of apple cider vinegar and water for about a half hour. This imparts a nice tang...really delicious!
Sprinkle in the Garlic Salt and Onion Powder.
A few grinds of Sea Salt...we have Pink Himalayan on hand, such a bright flavor! Use what you have, though!
In go the chopped chives or minced scallion tops...either will work. Mix well with a fork. Lick the fork to taste the spread...throw the fork in the sink. Adjust seasonings, to taste. Mine was good as it was...I'd forgotten how good this spread is! It'd be great on Sandwich Wraps, but that's a whole 'nother post!
Drain your marinated cucumbers and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Cut the crusts off your bread, if desired. It's not mandatory, if you're just doing this at home! Spread with the luscious cream cheese blend.
Add your sliced, marinated, dried cucumbers, sprinkle with some fresh cracked pepper, if you like. I do like the added pop of flavor that pepper adds...to anything!
Here's the finished product! They are tasty! I did put more of the spread on mine than I would have if it were for a fancy tea...but, it's just so darned good!
I know we're just a tad early for Spring Teas, but keep this recipe in your back pocket for when that time does come...a nice relaxing afternoon on the porch swing, after the chores are all done, a cup of tea to round it all out! The time will come, and you'll be ready, my Steemian friends!
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