by Isabelle Esteves

Created on: August 06, 2008   Last Updated: January 02, 2012

The cucumber sandwich is a staple of the English Tea. Afternoon tea is typically served starting after 3pm and is intended to hold one over until a late dinner. Afternoon gatherings and showers are good place to showcase this simple but delicious recipe.

1 English cucumber
1 stick of soft butter
1 loaf of soft white bread
salt and pepper

Begin by peeling the cucumber. Cut it into two pieces. I used a mandolin to slices the cucumber very thin. Take your colander and line it with paper towel, place the sliced cucumber in the colander and cover with more paper towel. I used a large jar candle to put pressure on the cucumbers. What you want to do is drain all the water out of the cucumbers.

Cut all the crusts off of the bread. Butter both slices of the bread for each sandwich. Let the cucumbers drain for 15 minutes, then change the paper towel. Let it sit another 15 minutes. Place the cucumbers in a double layer on one side of the bread and add salt and pepper. Put the sandwiches together and press tightly together. Cut diagonally into four triangular sandwiches.

This will produce 28 small triangles, enough for 7 servings.

You can vary the recipe by changing to a whole grain bread or by using mayonnaise instead of butter. During the summer, fresh tomatoes may also be added. To make it extra special, take 1 small brick of cream cheese and allow to soften to room temperature. Blend in 1 teaspoon of crushed mint leaves or dill. Spread on the bread and add cucumber.

Slice the cucumber thin, in a small bowl mix 1 cup sour cream and 2 teaspoons of dill. Add the cucumber and allow to marinate for half hour. Shake off the excess and serve of thin sliced rye bread spread with mayonnaise

If you are planning a tea, you can add smoked salmon sandwiches, egg salad sandwiches and ham sandwiches. You need to make the cucumber sandwiches at the last minute since they tend to become soggy very quickly.

Boil plenty of hot water, have a choice of teas and serve the tea with lumps of sugar and milk. It's a fun way to have a very British experience at home.

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