Delicate & Delicious Cucumber Mint Tea Sandwiches
June 17, 2008
One of my personal favorites at the tea table has always been the refreshing and delightful cucumber mint tea sandwich. A girlfriend of mine and I used to escape once every two weeks or so to this glamorous restaurant for afternoon tea. The decor was beautiful and we usually had the place nearly to ourselves. They would present a three tiered tower with scones and cookies, miniature pastries, and a small variety of tea sandwiches. It was a simple and luxurious treat.
The beautiful thing is it can be done at home either as a snack on your own or as a delight to be shared with friends. Its quite simple and you can make them as glamorous and distinctive as you like.
The recipe is quite simple-cream cheese, chopped fresh mint leaves, chopped or sliced cucumbers, and bread cut to your liking. I like to butter one side of the bread as well and season the cucumbers with just a tiny bit of salt for that extra bite.
Cutting the crust and then cutting the sandwich into halves or quarters is most common- but do not limit yourself. If you have some cute cookie cutters use them for fun and delightful results. When entertaining it looks like your a pro with all the finesse- and it takes no time or effort on your part at all.
Children may like them as well- add your own variation to their liking of course, but the shapes make them look like cookies more than food.
Use dill or tarragon to change it up or create your own unique little sandwich. Make a fun name for your friends if you like, “Cucumber me for Tea” or something playful.
Or just maybe pour yourself a nice cup of tea, sit outside or by a window, relax and have a few bites to yourself.
Pretty Little Things
May 25, 2008
Old Hollywood holds images of glamor and black and white elegance, but the present is in color and so are the styles. Traditional cuts and shapes are still admired, as they were and now in bright bold colors.
Everyone should have something pretty that is special to them. Maybe its a piece of jewelry passed down, a vintage hat or fur- even a fancy spoon or teacup can be a memorable and special pretty item. So long as you use it- if not for once in a while.
What’s old is new and what’s new is in memory of the old.
We all know the images of classic glamor girls in the past- fancy delicate hats with well cut dresses, gloves, broaches, and well thought out pieces alike. They don’t all have to be your classic colors (black, white, nude). Christian Lacroix always shows otherwise.
Being Playful almost certainly has to involve pretty little things, makes you feel like a pretty little thing yourself. Don’t leave special items in the closet collecting dust- keep them alive and involved in your life. After all, it is what makes them special to be remembered and admired.
Create your own collection of pretty little things to be admired now and later when they become icons. There’s nothing like the one of a kind impossible to find item in your hands and in your wardrobe.
