Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

Cucumber tea sandwiches are a classic British tea-time delicacy that have been enjoyed for generations. They are simple yet elegant, making them a perfect choice for afternoon tea parties and gatherings. These sandwiches became popular during the Victorian era, when the ritual of afternoon tea was introduced by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford. Traditionally, cucumber sandwiches are served as part of a larger selection of tea foods, including scones, pastries, and other finger sandwiches. Despite their simplicity, cucumber tea sandwiches are beloved for their refreshing taste and the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• White bread
• Cucumber
• Cream cheese
• Dill
• Butter
• Salt
• Pepper

Preparation

1. Start by softening the cream cheese. You can do this by leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to spread.
2. While the cream cheese is softening, prepare the cucumber. Peel the cucumber to remove the skin, and then slice it thinly. You want the slices to be as thin as possible for the best texture in your sandwiches.
3. In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese with a tablespoon of chopped dill, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Lay out the slices of white bread on a flat surface. Spread each slice with a thin layer of butter. This helps to create a barrier so that the cream cheese mixture doesn’t make the bread soggy.

Assembling the Sandwiches

1. On half of the white bread slices, spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture.
2. Place the thin cucumber slices over the cream cheese. Make sure they are slightly overlapping, covering the whole slice.
3. Top with another slice of white bread, buttered side down.
4. Press down gently and trim the crusts with a sharp knife to create neat edges. You can cut the sandwiches into quarters or fingers, depending on your preference.

Serving Tips

The cucumber tea sandwiches are best served immediately after preparation. However, if they need to wait, cover them with a slightly damp cloth to retain freshness without drying out or getting soggy. Serve these sandwiches with a beautiful herbal or black tea selection in your finest china for a classic afternoon tea experience. Pair them with scones, cakes, and other finger sandwiches for an authentic British tea spread.

Cooking Time

These sandwiches are quick and easy to assemble, taking approximately 20 minutes from start to finish. Use a cooking timer to ensure precision.