By Lyn Funnell
The Earl of Sandwich was the person who made the sandwich popular.
It was said that he ate them while he was playing cards at the gambling table.
What links a Sandwich with a Kentish town of the same name? – Unknown Kent & Sussex Magazine
Very soon, in the late 1700s, sandwiches became dainty and attractive. And tea-time became an additional meal to keep hunger at bay before dinner.
The Queen and the Queen Mother had tea every afternoon between 3 and 5 o’clock.
Crusts were cut off and the sandwiches were cut into triangles.
One of their favourites was cucumber sandwiches.
Try their recipe. The addition of a tiny amount of mint adds a nice subtle flavour.
- 1 thin cucumber
- 8 slices brown bread, sliced
- 8 slices white bread, sliced
- 4ounces fresh unsalted butter
- 1 -2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh mint
- salt and pepper
Peel cucumber and slice into thin rounds. Salt rounds lightly and place in colander for 15 minutes to drain. Press to release water, and pat dry with paper towels.
Spread sliced bread with softened butter. Put 2 layers of cucumber slices on bottom slice, sprinkle with finely chopped mint, salt and pepper to taste, and top with another buttered slice. Press lightly with your hand.
Cut all crusts off with a sharp knife, making sure that you don’t break the ends. But save the crusts. Cut sandwiches in half diagonally and then again into quarters.
Serve in alternate rows of brown and white bread sandwiches, points facing up.
Sandwiches can also be cut into fingers. You can add cream cheese to the fillings.
Other fillings are egg mayonnaise, ham, smoked salmon or cheese.
Display the sandwiches attractively. Tiny cakes, and scones with clotted cream and jam are also popular.
Remember that I suggested you save the crusts?
Make your own Cheese Straws.
Roll the crusts in butter and then grated cheese, pushing down firmly, and bake them in the oven until the cheese melts, turning over after a few minutes.
Crunchy and delicious!
