Ah, the art of afternoon tea—a ritual as soothing as it is timeless. Picture this: the delicate crunch of cucumber sandwiches, the clinking of fine china, and the soft murmur of conversation floating through the air like a gentle breeze.
Now, enter the scene with these delicious smoked salmon tea sandwiches, a modern twist on a classic, each bite a little symphony of rich, smoky flavors and creamy textures. Who knew such a simple bite could evoke such culinary poetry?
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Cut the baguette into slices about 1/3 inch thick, angling the knife slightly. If the bread is not too soft, brush both sides with melted butter and arrange them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 5 minutes until the edges start to turn golden, keeping the centers soft.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, pressed garlic, and finely chopped dill until smooth and well blended.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture onto each slice of bread, even if they are slightly warm. Place a piece of smoked salmon on top and add a sprig of dill for garnish. If stacking, separate layers with plastic wrap to prevent sogginess.
Ingredients
- 8 oz of cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
- 1-2 cloves of garlic, pressed
- 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped dill leaves (optional but recommended)
- Additional dill sprigs for garnish
- 4 oz of smoked salmon
- 1 long baguette
- 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter
FAQ
- Can I prepare the cream cheese spread in advance?
- Yes, you can make the cream cheese spread ahead of time. Simply combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic, and dill, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
- Do I need to toast the bread if it’s fresh?
- If your bread is fresh and soft, toasting is not necessary. However, if the bread is slightly stale, toasting it with butter can improve the texture and flavor.
- How can I prevent the bread from becoming soggy when stacking the sandwiches?
- To avoid sogginess when stacking, place a layer of plastic wrap between each layer of sandwiches. This helps maintain the texture of the bread.
- Can I substitute any ingredients in the recipe?
- Yes, you can adjust the ingredients to your preference. For instance, you could substitute the dill with another herb like chives or parsley if desired.
- What’s the best way to garnish these canapés?
- Garnishing with fresh dill sprigs enhances the appearance and flavor of the canapés. However, you can experiment with other garnishes like capers or thinly sliced lemon for an added touch.
Tips
- If your bread is fresh and soft, you can skip the butter and baking step to save time, as the bread will still taste great without toasting.
- When making the cream cheese spread, there’s no need to soften the cream cheese beforehand, as it will mix easily with the other ingredients.
- To prevent the bread from becoming soggy when stacking the canapés, place a layer of plastic wrap between each layer.
- If you enjoy a strong garlic flavor, consider using two cloves instead of one for a bolder taste in the spread.
Equipment
- Baking sheet – A large baking sheet is necessary for toasting the bread slices.
- Garlic press – Useful for pressing garlic cloves to mix into the spread.
- Pastry brush – For brushing melted butter onto the bread slices.
- Plastic wrap – For separating layers if you plan to stack the canapés.
