Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Ever get a craving for something fancy but also easy? I do all the time! Let's chat about creamy cucumber benedictine tea sandwiches .
These are perfect when you want to feel a bit posh. They taste great too!
Quick Hook: Posh Nosh Alert!
Do you fancy a taste of the South with a twist? These aren't just your average cucumber sandwiches. They're creamy cucumber benedictine tea sandwiches .
This classic flavor profile has a unique selling point of being delightfully creamy, crisp, and refreshing.
Brief Overview: A Southern Belle Bite
Originating in Louisville, Kentucky, the k_annotated : benedictine spread recipe is a cool, green cucumber cream cheese dip. These k_annotated : southern tea sandwiches are easy to make.
Prep takes about 20 minutes, plus 30 minutes to chill. This recipe yields about 12 k_annotated : finger sandwiches , perfect for six servings.
Main Benefits: Cool as a Cucumber
K_annotated : Cucumber recipes are refreshing, and these sandwiches are no exception. They’re a good source of hydration. Serve these at a k_annotated : bridal shower menu or a k_annotated : garden party food ideas .
What makes these special? It's the creamy, herby benedictine spread.
Craving a proper cuppa and a sarnie? Let’s dive into the ingredients!
Ingredients You'll Need: Sorted!
Benedictine Spread:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup grated cucumber, squeezed dry
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Green food coloring
Tea Sandwiches:
- 1 loaf thinly sliced white bread
- 2 English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- Optional: Fresh watercress sprigs
Right then, let’s crack on with the recipe!
step-by-step recipe instructions, are you ready?
One final comment, closing words. Well, there you have it!. These k_annotated : creamy cucumber benedictine tea sandwiches are my go-to for a quick and elegant treat.
Whether it's for a k_annotated : Kentucky derby party food , or just a quiet afternoon, they never disappoint. Give them a go, and let me know what you think!.
Honestly, you won't regret it. Enjoy!
Right then, let's talk about what you need to make these delightful Creamy Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches . I can almost smell the garden party already!
Ingredients & Equipment
Okay, so here's the lowdown on what you need for my reimagined cucumber sandwiches . Think posh and oh-so-Southern. Let's make the ultimate k_annotated cucumber benedictine appetizer !
Main Ingredients
Here's a precise list. Don't you worry, I've got you covered in both US and metric measurements.
For the Benedictine Spread:
- Cream cheese: 8 ounces (227g) , softened. Get the good stuff!
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Full fat is a must.
- Grated cucumber: 1/4 cup (60ml) , squeezed dry. Seriously, squeeze every drop.
- Finely chopped onion: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
- Chopped fresh parsley: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
- Chopped fresh chives: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Fresh herbs are so much better.
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) .
- Ground black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) .
- Optional: Green food coloring. A few drops will do.
For the Sandwiches:
- Thinly sliced white bread: 1 loaf. Go with a classic.
- English cucumbers: 2. These are so fresh and cool.
- Optional: Fresh watercress sprigs. It is the k_annotated watercress sandwiches alternative to the typical lettuce!.
Seasoning Notes
Alright, let's talk flavors. The Benedictine spread is all about that cool, creamy, slightly tangy taste.
- Essential spice combinations : Garlic powder and black pepper are non-negotiable. Don't skip them!
- Flavor enhancers : Fresh herbs, like parsley and chives, really make this k_annotated benedictine spread recipe sing.
- Quick substitution options : If you're out of fresh herbs, dried ones work, but use less. A teaspoon will do.
Want a bit of a kick?. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper!. It will make this k_annotated easy appetizer recipe pop!.
Equipment Needed
Nothing too fancy here, promise!
- Mixing bowl: For the Benedictine spread.
- Box grater: To grate the cucumber.
- Cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve: To squeeze out the cucumber. This is so important!.
- Serrated knife: For slicing and trimming the sandwiches.
- Spatula or butter knife: For spreading the Benedictine.
- Cutting board: An absolute must!.
A common household alternative to a cheesecloth is a paper towel!. I've totally done that!. Nobody knew better! The k_annotated make-ahead sandwiches needs to be totally dry!.
Honestly, that's all there is to it. Ready to get started on these elegant k_annotated finger sandwiches ?
Right then, let's whip up some creamy cucumber benedictine tea sandwiches , shall we? Think elevated cucumber sandwiches fit for a garden party , a bridal shower , or, frankly, just a Tuesday when you fancy a bit of posh nosh.
This recipe screams southern tea sandwiches and a good time. Honestly, are there any easy appetizer recipes that are more elegant? Let’s dive into an outline worthy of Mary Berry herself!
Let's Make Cracking Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches
This recipe elevates the classic cucumber sandwich with a creamy , herby benedictine spread . It is a true taste of Southern charm.
Trust me, they are easy appetizer recipes to make and even easier to devour. They're perfect for any elegant occasion, or any reason, really!
Prep Steps: The Key To A Smooth Sandwich
Right, first things first, the mise en place . Gotta get all your bits and bobs ready. It really does save time in the long run, you know?
- Essential mise en place includes grating the cucumber and softening the cream cheese.
- Time saving tip: Get the benedictine spread recipe chilling before you slice the bread.
- Safety reminder: Mind your fingers when slicing those cukes!
step-by-step: From Ingredients to Elegant
Here's how to turn simple ingredients into something a bit special, a proper cucumber benedictine appetizer :
- Grate 1/4 cup cucumber and squeeze out the water. Seriously, squeeze hard.
- Mix 8 ounces softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup mayonnaise, cucumber, 2 tablespoons onion, 1 tablespoon parsley, 1 tablespoon chives, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Chill the cream cheese sandwich filling for at least 30 minutes . This helps those flavors to blend.
- Spread that lovely Benedictine on thinly sliced white bread.
- Top with 2 English cucumbers very thinly sliced. Fresh watercress is optional.
- Top with other side of the white bread, now trim the crusts if you're feeling fancy.
- Cut into triangles, squares, or whatever you fancy.
Pro Tips: Elevating Your Sandwiches
Want to take these finger sandwiches from "nice" to "oh my gosh, these are amazing?"
- Expert Technique: Squeeze that cucumber! Removing the excess water prevents a soggy sandwich.
- Common Mistake: Forgetting to soften the cream cheese. Lumpy Benedictine is a no-no.
- make-ahead Option: The spread can be made a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge. These are great make-ahead sandwiches for your bridal shower menu .
These party sandwiches really are perfect for a garden party food ideas . Whether you call them cucumber recipes or southern recipes , they're a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Enjoy, luv!
Honestly, I think I'll try adding a tiny dash of hot sauce next time, just for a bit of a kick. What do you reckon?
Recipe Notes for the Perfect Creamy Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches
Right then, you're about to make some creamy cucumber benedictine tea sandwiches ! These little gems are the perfect cucumber benedictine appetizer for a fancy afternoon tea, a bridal shower menu , or even just a cheeky snack.
Before we dive in, let's cover some important bits to ensure yours come out spot on .
Serving Suggestions: Plating like a Pro
Presentation is key, innit? Think of these as mini works of art. Now, when it comes to tea sandwich recipes , these are particularly pretty.
- Plating: Arrange your finger sandwiches on a tiered stand or a lovely platter. Garnish with extra cucumber slices or watercress sandwiches for a pop of colour.
- Drinks: Earl Grey is the classic choice, but iced tea or even a glass of fizz would be lush.
- Sides: A light salad, like a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, complements the richness of the benedictine spread recipe .
Storage Savvy: Keep 'Em Fresh!
Let’s talk storage. make-ahead sandwiches are brilliant, but let’s keep them from becoming soggy!
- Fridge: These are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Honestly, they won’t last longer than that, everyone will scoff them!
- Freezing: I wouldn't recommend freezing these as the cucumber and mayo will go a bit weird.
- Reheating: Nah, don't reheat! These are meant to be served cold.
Variations: Let's Get Creative!
Fancy a twist? These are pretty easy to adapt.
- Dietary Tweaks: For a vegan version, use vegan cream cheese and mayo. It's that simple!
- Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, add some fresh dill to the cucumber recipes . In the autumn, maybe a touch of apple for sweetness?
- Spicy: You could try some jalapenos in the cream cheese sandwich fillings to give it a little kick.
Nutrition Lowdown: A Light Bite
Alright, let's get a little bit sensible (but not too much, it's a treat, innit?!). Each serving (2 sandwiches) is about 250-300 calories.
They also contain around 5-7g of protein, and 20-25g of fat.
And remember, fresh cucumber gives you a little vitamin K boost! They are the perfect easy appetizer recipes for everyone to enjoy, especially those following southern recipes .
For your garden party food ideas , these southern tea sandwiches will be perfect.
So there you have it! Now go forth and create some smashing party sandwiches ! This sandwich recipe is easier than you think.
Don't be scared to experiment. The perfect cucumber sandwiches are just a few steps away. Have fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to prevent my creamy cucumber benedictine tea sandwiches from getting soggy? I don't want a repeat of last year's garden party!
The key to avoiding soggy sandwiches is all in the cucumber! Make sure you grate it and squeeze out as much excess water as humanly possible using cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve. Also, don't assemble the sandwiches too far in advance; the longer they sit, the wetter they'll become.
Think of it like a rainy day in Britain, it's best to plan accordingly.
Can I make the Benedictine spread for these creamy cucumber benedictine tea sandwiches ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it's recommended. Making the Benedictine spread a day or two in advance allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Think of it as marinating a good roast; time is your friend!
I'm not a huge fan of green food coloring. Is it essential for the look of the Creamy Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches?
Not at all! The green food coloring is purely for aesthetic purposes. Traditionally, Benedictine is lightly green tinted, but the sandwiches will taste just as delicious without it.
If you're looking for a more natural green hue, you could try adding a tiny bit of finely chopped spinach or parsley to the spread but be careful not to change the flavor too much.
What's a good substitute for cream cheese in the Benedictine spread for these Creamy Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches? I am all out!
If you're fresh out of cream cheese, Neufchâtel cheese makes a good substitute with a similar tang and creamy texture, and it's often a bit lighter. Just ensure it's softened before mixing it with the other ingredients.
You could also try a thick Greek yogurt, but be prepared for a slightly tangier flavor profile, which isn't a bad thing at all!
How long will these creamy cucumber benedictine tea sandwiches stay fresh if I need to make them ahead of time for a party?
While they're best served fresh, these tea sandwiches can be made a few hours in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent them from drying out. Try to avoid making them more than 4-6 hours ahead of time, as the bread can start to get soggy.
Think of it like afternoon tea at the Ritz best enjoyed as close to preparation as possible!
Can I freeze these Creamy Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches for later?
I wouldn't recommend freezing these sandwiches. Freezing and thawing would change the texture of the cream cheese and cucumbers, making them watery and unappetizing. They're best enjoyed fresh, so make just what you need, or enjoy any leftovers the next day!
You could freeze the Benedictine spread on its own, though the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Cucumber Benedictine Tea Sandwiches
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250-300 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 1-2g |