Tea Party!

April 29, 2011

Let's have a tea party! This year will be my ninth annual Mother's Day tea. I got the idea while searching for a gift for someone that didn't really want anything - my mom. I thought it would be a treat for her to have wonderful food, be waited on, have meaningful conversation, and just plain fun! She absolutely loved it!
 
I got many ideas and recipes from library books such as The Charms of Tea, Taking Time for Tea, and If Teacups Could Talk. Be sure to have a beautiful setting-outdoors if possible. Serve bite-size food, especially cucumber sandwiches cut into thirds-no crust please. Wear a fancy hat if you want. Plan a game or other activity. Be sure to have a take-home favor for everyone. I'm going to share a recipe that I use every year.
 
Jane's Cucumber Sandwiches

• 3 large cucumbers
• 2- 8 oz. pkgs. cream cheese, softened
• salt
• Small onion
• Large loaf of thin-sliced bread

Peel cucumbers and cut off both ends. Cut in half lengthwise. Scoop out all seeds with a spoon. Cut each half into quarters lengthwise. Dice into 1/4 inch long pieces. Place all pieces in colander and salt lightly. Let sit in colander for at least one hour. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP! After they have drained for 60 minutes, stir cucumber pieces into softened cream cheese. Grate a small onion into the mixture to your taste. Spread cucumber filling on a slice of bread and top with another slice. Cut off all crusts, and cut sandwich into thirds. Stack on platter with plastic wrap between layers. Cover tightly and refrigerate until served. These are best when made and served the same day.
 
You are guaranteed a successful tea party with this recipe. Enjoy!
 
Julie C.
Raytown Branch