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You can’t have a tea party without tea sandwiches.
When I decided to have a tea party bridal shower the first thing that got added to the menu line up was tea sandwiches. A tea sandwich is an important part of any tea party menu.
Afternoon tea was originally begun by the Seventh Duchess of Bedford in 1840 as a way to fill the rather large gap between lunch and dinner which was served around 8 p.m. The sandwiches are just filling enough to prevent overindulgence in the scones, cream, and cakes that were served afterwards.
The cucumber sandwich is a mainstay for any tea party. I decided to dress my cucumber sandwich up a bit by adding some sun dried tomatoes into the traditional cream cheese mixture on light rye bread.
How to Make Cucumber Sandwiches
After filling my sandwiches I then wrapped them in some plastic wrap and put them back in the refrigerator to allow them to set up a bit. It makes for easier cutting.
A tea sandwich is always served without crust and then cut into small dainty pieces that can be eaten with one hand.
Both sandwiches were a delicious and disappeared fast. I am a total fan of afternoon tea and thing it is definitely a tradition from our British forefathers that we should all adopt!
Other yummy tea party food:
- Victoria Sponge Cake
- Cornish Pasty
- White Chocolate Raspberry Mini Bundt Cakes
- Orange Poppyseed Mini Bundt Cakes
Tea Sandwiches
Ingredients
Cucumber and Sun Dried Tomato
- 1 C sun dried tomatoes chopped
- 1/2 C parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/3 C fresh oregano
- 1 t dried basil
- 1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese softened
- 1/2 C sour cream
- 2 cucumbers
- 1 loaf of light rye bread
- salt and pepper to taste
Cranberry Chicken Salad
- 2 c. cooked chicken diced
- ½ c. dried cranberries
- 1/3 c. cup pecans
- 3 green onions sliced
- Mayonnaise
- White bread slices
Instructions
Cucumber and Sun Dried Tomato
- Beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add all ingredients except for cucumbers together.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Spread cream cheese mixture on bread.
- Place cucumber slices on top and top with bread.
- Cover and chill before cutting.
- Remove crust and cut into four squares or triangles.
- Makes about 32 tea sandwiches (4 to a slice of bread)
Cranberry Chicken Salad
- In a large bowl, combine first 4 ingredients. Add just enough mayonnaise to moisten. Cover and chill to blend flavor.
- Spread enough chicken salad mixture on one of the slices to make a thick sandwich. Cover with second slice of bread.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before cutting.
- Trim off bread crusts and cut into triangles or squares.
Quinn says
Just stumbled upon your site. I love your ideas! I can’t wait to try some of your recipes.
Valerie A. H. says
Tea sandwiches always sound so elegant. This recipe sounds yummy!
I have family at our house from the East. Making your Herbed Shrimp for them today. It’s such a great recipe!
Mique says
Looks so good LA! Yum!