Cucumber Sandwich

History

The cucumber sandwich is the emblem of the English afternoon tea — wafer-thin cucumber and a little butter between crustless slices of soft white bread. A symbol of Victorian and Edwardian leisure (only those without manual labour had time for so delicate and un-filling a snack), it endures as the genteel star of the tea table.

Ingredients

• Soft white sliced bread
• Butter
• Cucumber
• Salt
• Fresh dill

How to Make

1. 1Peel and very thinly slice the cucumber; lightly salt it and pat dry so the sandwich doesn't go soggy.
2. 2Butter two slices of soft white bread right to the edges.
3. 3Layer the cucumber slices evenly across one slice and scatter with a little dill.
4. 4Close, press gently and cut off the crusts.
5. 5Slice into neat fingers or triangles and serve.