by Susan Kliebenstein

Created on: July 19, 2008   Last Updated: February 02, 2012

Cucumber sandwiches can take many forms and be served in a variety of situations, but it's important to get the right sandwich in the right situation.

-The Cucumber sandwich has a long English tradition, being served in the afternoon with high tea. In that case white bread should be buttered and lightly salted. Cucumbers are sliced lengthwise and paper thin, drained, and placed on the bread. Crusts are cut away and the sandwich is served quartered, and arranged formally on a luncheon plate.

-A heartier American edition requires a 1/4" slice of cucumber on white, pumpernickel or rye bread. No need to remove the crusts from this sandwich. Use a spread of butter, mayonnaise or cream-cheese as you wish. Add sliced onion, sprouts, lettuce and/or sliced tomato if you like. Salt and pepper will finish your creation. Cut in half and serve with a warm cup of soup.

-For parties or buffets you may want to use a cocktail loaf of rye or pumpernickel bread. The spread can be a blend of cream cheese (8 oz) and dry Italian dressing mix (less than one ounce). Top with a thin, cross-cut slice of cucumber and garnish with a bit of dill. These sandwiches may be served with or without crust.

-A refrigerator snack spread can be made by shredding 4-5 small cucumbers and allowing them to drain in a strainer over a small bowl. When well drained discard the fluid and mix the cucumber shreds with 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise and 8 ounces of cream cheese. Add diced onion, garlic, salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, allow to soften at room temperature, then spread on your favorite bread to make open face sandwiches for after school snacks.

-For another variation of the refrigerator snack you may want to substitute a 1/2 cup of chopped mint leaf in place of the onion and garlic. This gives the sandwich a fresh, light taste which goes very well with the cucumber.

-A vegan version of the cucumber sandwich uses mustard, sliced cucumber, lettuce, and tomato on your favorite bread.

-In India, cucumber sandwiches are served with green chutney and sliced boiled potatoes. Chutney is a usually a chunky, spreadable condiment made with ground fruits, vegetables and spices, cooked together. However, green chutney in India is merely a paste of ground green coriander leaves, green chillies, and a bit of ginger root mixed with lemon juice and salted to taste.

Such cultural variety in something as basic as a cucumber sandwich points out the amazing creativity and diversity of the human experience. Whatever your situation, or location, cucumbers are easy to grow and add a bit of spice to life. The way you make your sandwich is strictly a matter of choice!

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