The Cucumber Sandwich

Afternoon tea must start with sandwiches. You are not suppose to eat the cakes and muffins until you have blunted your appetite with a sandwich. The cucumber sandwich is a classic. And so easy to make. First peel a cucumber and slice it thinly (almost transparent). Put in a non-aluminum bowl or dish. Sprinkle with a little vinegar and salt. Set aside for half an hour. Drain off excess cucumber juice by patting with a paper towel. Cover a slice of thin bread lightly buttered with one layer of the cucumber slices. Cover with another buttered slice of bread. Cut off crusts. Now cut into 4 squares. Put on a serving plate and cover with a lightly dampened cloth until ready to serve. A variation is to also add a thin layer of radishes to the sandwich.

Contributed by World of Teas.