Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

ADAPTED FROM SOUTHERN LIVING

Be fancy for Mother’s Day, or any spring teatime. These cucumber sandwiches are elegant, simple and allow any cucumber to shine! In a subtle, polite way of course, with a pinky up.

INGREDIENTS

• 1-2 small slicer cucumber, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)

• 1/2 tsp sea salt

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened, or goat chevre

• 1 Tbsp mayonnaise

• 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest (from 1 lemon)

• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh dill

• 1 Tbsp chopped chives

• 8 (3/4-oz) firm sourdough or wheat bread slices

INSTRUCTIONS

Salt cucumber slices:

Toss together cucumber slices and salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly coated.

Roll cucumber slices to absorb moisture:

Spread cucumber slices in an even layer on a clean kitchen towel. Roll up towel; let stand while preparing remaining ingredients and until moisture is absorbed from cucumber slices, about 10 minutes.

Make cream cheese spread:

While cucumbers stand, stir together cream cheese, mayonnaise, and lemon zest in a medium bowl until smooth. Stir in dill and chives.

Assemble sandwiches:

Place bread slices on a cutting board; spread about 1 tablespoon cream cheese mixture on each bread slice. Unroll towel; divide cucumber slices evenly among 4 bread slices. Top with remaining 4 bread slices, cream cheese side down, pressing lightly. Slice off crusts, and cut each sandwich into 4 triangles or 4 “fingers.” Serve immediately, or wrap tightly, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

variation: Spicy Roasted Pepper Cucumber Sandwiches

Proceed with recipe as directed in Step 1. In Step 2, reduce cream cheese to 3 ounces, and omit mayonnaise, lemon zest, dill, and chives. Process cream cheese, 1/4 cup jarred roasted red bell pepper (drained and patted dry), 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano, 3/4 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon each smoked paprika and black pepper, and 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce in a food processor until mostly smooth, about 45 seconds. In Step 3, omit white bread slices, and substitute 8 dark pumpernickel or rye bread slices; spread about 1 tablespoon red pepper mixture on each bread slice. Proceed with recipe as directed.