A selection of tea sandwiches
Traditional afternoon tea begins with a selection of exquisite finger sandwiches called tea sandwiches. These bites of fresh savories are designed to bring out the delicate flavor of tea. Small in size, they are not meant to overwhelm the occasion, but to make room for scones and other tea delicacies that will follow.
Tea sandwiches come in a variety of flavors; but a traditional tea tray will have chicken salad, egg, salmon, and cucumber fillings. Tea hosts can be quite creative when preparing sandwich morsels for afternoon tea. They make memorable treats and can look and taste quite irresistible to hungry guests.
Since tea sandwiches are easy to make, it’s always best to prepare them at home rather than purchase ready-made. However, if time or culinary skills don’t allow for the homemade variety, most high quality bakeries or tea rooms offer great selections.
How to Make Homemade Tea Sandwiches
- Prepare sandwich fillings a day ahead so that the flavors have a chance to mature. Fillings should be flavorful but not so overpowering that the taste of the tea is affected. Some examples of fillings include chicken, shrimp or ham salad, specialty cheese spreads, thinly sliced lox and cucumbers.
- Use a combination of thinly sliced day-old wheat, rye or white bread. One or two-day old bread is usually firmer and easier to cut and shape into round, square, triangular finger-style sandwiches.
- Make four to six sandwiches per guest just before serving. After spreading the fillings, cut the crusts of the bread off and discard; then use cookie cutters or a sharp bread knife to make into shapes. Wipe off the knife after each cut to keep the edges clean.
- Place the sandwiches on a decorative plate or tray and cover with either waxed paper or slightly damp paper towels to keep the bread soft. Just before serving to guests garnish the plate with parsley or edible herbs and flowers.
Love making teatime treats? Try homemade cranberry tea cake
For more information:
Tea 101: The proper way to eat scones at a tea party
Royal afternoon tea in the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead Lobby Lounge
Tea 101: Two easy ways to make scones
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Comments
What absolute fun! My elders would say, "cream cheese with a little of this and that."
Jackie DiGiovanni
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