Estimated reading time: 14 minutes

Experience the taste of British tradition with cucumber sandwiches. Discover the history, variations, and how to make these delightful treats for afternoon tea.

Cucumber sandwiches were part of my upbringing living in the United Kingdom most of my life.

I’ve always been a fan of them, even when I moved out of my parent’s home.

In 2022, Her Majesty the Queen is the first British monarch to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of service.

From June 2 to 5th, 2022, Britain celebrates Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and her 96th Birthday.

I thought it fitting to share my mum’s cucumber sandwich recipe served for afternoon tea.

The official celebration in the UK will begin on 2nd June with the Trooping the Colour and Horse Guards Parade, concerts, street parties and pageants. Across the UK, over 70,000 Big Jubilee Lunches are expected to take place at homes and local village halls over the Jubilee weekend, and over ten million people across the UK are expected to be joining the celebrations.

Government of UK

Today you’ll learn:

• What are cucumber sandwiches?
• Variations
• What is the difference between high tea vs. afternoon tea?
• How to make cucumber sandwiches?
• Mrs. Beeton’s House of Management

Difference Between High Tea and Afternoon Tea

High tea and afternoon tea are often compared to the same; however, they are vaguely different.

Cucumber sandwiches are inexpensive, although they are associated with high society in Britain.

Working-class Britains didn’t have time to sit in the back garden enjoying tea and treats.

They would have to wait until after work to enjoy tea, although later in the day.

High tea is called supper or dinner for the working class in Canada and the UK.

It was time for tea (dinner), a filling meal such as stew, buns with butter, and salads.

Typically, afternoon tea is served around 4 pm in the garden, including tea, scones, light sandwiches, fresh fruits, jam, jellies, clotted cream, and cakes.

Afternoon Tea With My Parents In The UK

My parents are retired today, but while working, there was no time for afternoon tea; now, it’s part of their day.

Mum’s British Victoria Sponge cake is still part of my parent’s afternoon tea in the UK.

When Mrs. CBB, our son, and I visited the UK in 2017, we experienced afternoon tea daily.

If you open my mum’s refrigerator, you will find a tray of custards and on the counter a homemade cake.

Mum and Dad’s back garden is full of blooming flowers surrounding a white table and gazebo.

My mum would bring a cuppa of tea and slices of whatever cake she had prepared for the week to the garden table.

We would eat, drink, and share stories for a fun afternoon while our son played in the sandbox.

In Scotland, high tea takes on further differentiation.

A Scottish high tea is not unlike an afternoon tea but will include some hot food, such as a cheese on toast or other savory goodies.

Source

Mrs. Beeton’s House Of Management

I’d love to get my mum’s British recipes and cookbooks, especially Mrs. Beeton’s House of Management.

My mum’s recipe for these sandwiches slightly differs from Mrs. Beeton’s; however, I enjoy both.

My mum keeps her recipe simple when making any finger sandwiches.

• Butter
• Cream Cheese
• White Bread
• Sliced seedless cucumbers
• Salt and Pepper

Although I enjoy Mum’s sandwiches, I’ve combined Mrs. Beeton’s and my mum’s recipes.

Mrs. Beeton’s Book of Household Management Cucumber Sandwiches Source

Originally published in 24 newspaper columns from 1859 to 1861, Mrs. Beeton’s Book of Household Management was at first a guide to managing a household.

Today it is a fascinating look at the past and a guide to forgotten skills that can be used today. – Amazon Canada

What Are Cucumber Sandwiches?

Cucumber sandwiches have been around since the early 1900s in the United Kingdom.

The idea behind the sandwich is that it’s light, airy, and fresh for afternoon tea.

Everyday staples such as cucumbers, bread, butter, salt, and pepper are all you need.

However, you’ll find different variations of these delicate classic cucumber tea sandwiches.

How To Cut Cucumber Sandwiches

Over the years, what was once a simple sandwich has now had different variations.

Thinly slicing the crust from the bread is traditional, as is white bread, although you can use any bread you’d like.

Typically, cucumber sandwiches are cut into triangles and layered on a plate or platter.

Cutting cucumber sandwiches into squares or fingers is not uncommon.

You can use all three cuts on a platter to add variety for your guests.

• Triangle
• Square
• Finger

Variations Of Cucumber Sandwiches

I don’t mind mixing things up if the sandwich is fresh.

I serve other variations of this sandwich, which I’ve tried when friends come around.

• Cucumber sandwiches with ham and cream cheese
• Herbed cream cheese cucumber afternoon tea fingers.
• Fresh tuna salad on buttered bread and thinly sliced cucumbers
• Using fresh dill, mint, basil and chives
• Substituting cream cheese for mayonnaise or sour cream

How To Make Cucumber Sandwiches

Printable recipe below

Ingredients

• 2 Slices of White Bread
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 2 tablespoons herbed cream cheese (mint, chives, parsley, basil) Optional or plain cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon avocado oil, salad oil (traditional), or extra-virgin olive oil
• 8-10 thin slices of a seedless cucumber
• Paper Towel
• Salt and Pepper

Instructions For One Cucumber Sandwich

• Thinly slice a seedless cucumber into 8 to 10 slices.
• Place the cucumber slices on a paper towel for 10 minutes to remove excess water
• Remove from paper towel and put them into a bowl
• Add oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice into a small bowl and whisk together.
• Pour the dressing into the bowl of cucumbers and mix to coat the cucumbers
• Trim the crust from two slices of white bread *save crusts for bread crumbs.
• Using a spreading knife, butter both slices of bread
• On one portion, add a layer of cream cheese on top of the butter
• Layer the sliced cucumbers on one-half of the bread.
• Put the buttered slice of bread on top of the portion with cucumbers, butter, and cream cheese.
• Cut into triangles, squares, or rectangulars (finger)
• Serve on a dish with a serviette.

Please let me know what you think of my version of British cucumber tea sandwiches in the comments below.

Mr. CBB

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