My husband’s British boss once stated that “afternoon tea is quite civilized”. I couldn’t have said it better myself, Mr. Hadler. Taking time in the afternoon to savor a cup of tea, enjoy a bite to eat and possibly have a nice chat with a friend, is nothing but civilized. It’s a pleasantry that we don’t enjoy often enough. Let’s bring back that lovely custom and Cucumber Tea Sandwiches.
I had the good fortune, on several occasions, of having afternoon tea with the Hadlers. Mrs. Eryl Hadler, wife to Mr. Hadler, hosted teas in her home and treated her guests like the Queen (Elizabeth, not rock group). I always left there feeling a tad more mannerly than when I first entered their beautiful, inviting home.
Fine china, linen napkins and silver were the supporting cast for tea sandwiches, scones, cake and tea. While the setting was beautiful, the food and drink outstanding and the whole experience lovely, the star player was Mrs. Hadler and her gracious attitude and big heart. Tea at the Hadler’s was something I’ll cherish forever. And ever.
Please stop for a moment, friends, and enjoy a virtual afternoon tea with me. I’ve got Cucumber Dill Sandwiches made for you. Do you take lemon with your tea?
Y’all come see us!
Cucumber Dill Tea Sandwiches
yield: I don’t know now much this yields. It’s all according to the amount of dill cream cheese you want to spread on your bread, Shug.
I “Southernized” the dill cream cheese spread by adding a big dollop of Duke’s mayonnaise. Not only does it add flavor, but it make the cream cheese very spreadable. You don’t want to over-do dill in this spread. It has a strong flavor that will step all over the delicate flavor of cukes.
I like to partially peel the cukes and leave just enough of the peel to add a nice green splash of color.
8 ounces softened cream cheese
2 heaping tablespoons Duke’s mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced
dash kosher salt
white bread
cucumber,sliced thinly
Whip softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until creamy. Add fresh dill and salt. Stir.
Spread each slice of bread with the cream cheese mixture making sure the surface is covered entirely to protect the bread from sogginess. Place four cucumber slices on one piece of bread and top with another piece of bread. Trim crusts. Cut in desired shapes.
You might also enjoy:
Civilized (Recipe: Cucumber Tea Sandwich)
Ingredients
- Cucumber Dill Tea Sandwiches
- yield: I don’t know now much this yields. It’s all according to the amount of dill cream cheese you want to spread on your bread Shug.
- I “Southernized” the dill cream cheese spread by adding a big dollop of Duke’s mayonnaise. Not only does it add flavor but it make the cream cheese very spreadable. You don’t want to over-do dill in this spread. It has a strong flavor that will step all over the delicate flavor of cukes.
- I like to partially peel the cukes and leave just enough of the peel to add a nice green splash of color.
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- 2 heaping tablespoons Duke’s mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill minced
- dash kosher salt
- white bread
- cucumber sliced thinly
Instructions
- Whip softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until creamy. Add fresh dill and salt. Stir.
- Spread each slice of bread with the cream cheese mixture making sure the surface is covered entirely to protect the bread from sogginess. Place four cucumber slices on one piece of bread and top with another piece of bread. Trim crusts. Cut in desired shapes.
Sue, a Florida Farm Girl says
My dear, the DH and myself had our little respite this afternoon with a lovely Red Silk pear alongside some wonderful comte (French cheese) we received as a gift. It does make life a bit more civilized, doesn’t it?
Jackie Garvin says
Yes, it certainly does, Sue! I had a mid-afternoon snack of pear and Gorgonzola cheese yesterday. 🙂
Mary says
Love cucumber sandwiches! I will definitely be making these! The pear and Gorgonzola sounds delicious….love fruit and cheese! Thanks Jackie
Jackie Garvin says
Mary,
I’ve got a post coming up that features a special little “bite” with pear and gorgonzola cheese. Stay turned! 🙂
Lytle Markham says
I am certainly going to try this and your Ham Salad recipe. Both sound delicious! I love the china pattern with the cucumber sandwiches!
Jackie Garvin says
Thanks, Lytle! Pretty dishes are one of my favorite things.
Enjoy the cucumber sandwiches. They are so simple with just a little bit of niceness thrown in. 🙂
Jean says
Morning Jackie…..I would like a few scones with some jam and clotted cream too please.
Jackie Garvin says
Coming right up, Jean!
Julie Farrell says
Civilized indeed – this sounds like just what the doctor ordered for ‘Boxing Day’, December 26, after all the festivities are over and one can simply relax and enjoy the company of friends and family. Thanks for the inspiraton!
Jackie Garvin says
Julie,
Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoy some cucumber sandwiches and a cup of tea on a relaxing Boxing Day.
Gregs Kitchen says
I may be catering a Lady’s Tea, and I will definitely be stealing this recipe to use. They look amazing
Jackie Garvin says
Greg,
They’re very popular at teas. I’ve never had any left over.
Sharon Gibson says
You know what??? I’ve never had a cucumber sandwich…this is amazing, I know. Somehow that was one southern delicacy I was never introduced to…something I plan to rectify very soon! These sound delish, and I love all the ingredients. I promise to try them, and check back!! Sharon
Jackie Garvin says
Sharon,
They really are refreshing and a great afternoon pick-me-up. I hope you enjoy them!
Sandy says
What pattern are the dishes please
Jackie Garvin says
Sandy,
I’m away from my home right now and I don’t remember the particular pattern. It’s a Royal Daulton that coordinates with Old Country Roses.
Dianne Johnson says
Hi Jackie! I had a recipe out of a regional cookbook. Can’t find it anywhere. It was the cream cheese, with the mayo, but here we leave it. Mine called for minced onion. I hate minced onion! I always grated (not shredded) the onion. Just a tablespoon or two. You get a lot of juice for flavor and not indigestion. A bit of salt and a teaspoon or two of lemon pepper seasoning. I made them open face. A dash of paprika and a tiny squirt of the cream cheese. One day I was messing around in the kitchen during a shower (we had a B&B) and tried it with a slice of peeled Roma tomato. A tiny squirt of the cram cheese and a bit of julienned fresh basil. The cream cheese anchors the basil. OMG!! It was wonderful. From them on I made the cucumber/tomato sandwiches in alternating rows on a platter. Always a big hit!
Jackie Garvin says
Oh my word! That sounds heavenly. Keep experimenting in the kitchen. More good things will happen,