Tea Party Sandwiches

As mentioned in the above post this post is also being submitted for the Electrolux and Foodbuzz Top 9 Tea Party Takeover to help raise money for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Don't forget to click here to chose your tea party outfit – it's for a great cause so please take a moment. It doesn't cost you anything other than 2 minutes of your time so please click and pick!

It is impossible to have a proper Afternoon tea without dainty little sandwiches! And of course the ultimate classic tea party sandwich....the quintessential English Cucumber Sandwich. I have two versions here – the classic Cucumber and cream cheese sandwich as it should be without any tweaking or modernising and of course an updated fusion twist... cucumber sandwich with wasabi and lime cream cheese. Both are delicious – take your pick of which version you prefer.

And my second sandwich – another elegant favourite, my smoked salmon with dill and lemon cream cheese sandwich. If you like you could also add a little watercress to these sandwiches.

Classic Cucumber Sandwiches

Makes 12 finger sandwiches (easily doubled)

6 slices of white bread, crusts removed

½ English cucumber, thinly sliced

90g cream cheese, at room temperature

Freshly ground black pepper

Put a little cream cheese on each slice of bread then grind over a little black pepper. Top with the sliced cucumber, then place another piece of bread on top before cutting into fingers.

Cucumber Sandwiches with Wasabi & Lime Cream Cheese

Makes 12 finger sandwiches (easily doubled)

6 slices of white bread, crusts removed

½ English cucumber, thinly sliced

90g cream cheese, at room temperature

Pea sized amount of wasabi paste

Zest of 1 lime and a squeeze of juice

Freshly ground black pepper

In a small bowl combine the cream cheese with the wasabi, lime zest, juice and a good grinding of black pepper. Mix well then spread over each slice of bread. Top with the sliced cucumber, then place another piece of bread on top before cutting into fingers.

Smoked Salmon Sandwiches with Dill & Lemon Cream Cheese

Makes 12 finger sandwiches (easily doubled)

6 slices of brown bread, crusts removed

90g cream cheese, at room temperature

1 tsp fresh dill, finely chopped

Zest of 1 lemon and good squeeze of juice

Freshly ground black pepper

90g smoked salmon

Watercress (optional)

In a small bowl combine the cream cheese with the dill, lemon zest, juice and a good grinding of black pepper. Mix well then spread over each slice of bread. Top with the smoked salmon then squeeze over a little lemon juice and a grinding of black pepper. Add some watercress if using then place another piece of bread on top before cutting into fingers.