Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

Winter’s chill might still be upon us, but that’s no reason to host a New Year’s afternoon tea for good friends.  In addition to yummy warm bites like quiche and baked brie with cranberries and pistachio nuts, chilled cucumber tea sandwiches are a perfect way to round out the offerings – and so easy to make, too.  The crunch of the cucumber and tang of the lemon zest make these irresistible.  Try using shaped cookie cutters for a fun visual appeal.  You can’t stop at just one! 

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and thinly sliced
1.5 tbs butter, softened
Pinch of salt
1 tbs parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp lemon zest
Sliced firm white bread, crusts removed if desired

In a small bowl, mix the butter, salt, parsley and lemon zest until well combined.  Apply a small dollop of the butter mixture to a slice of bread and spread thin.  Top with cucumber slices in an overlapping pattern.  If desired, use a cookie cutter to cut the sandwiches, otherwise cut the bread slices into squares or diagonals.  Serve with tea and enjoy!