The BBC Proms season starts next month so it’s putting me in
mind of picnics in Hyde Park before the concerts start. Last year we heard a
lot of Tchaikovsky, this year it will be Beethoven. I’m planning picnics that are
quintessentially English and came across this recipe for cucumber sandwiches.
This version comes from Crabtree & Evelyn.
1 small cucumber
32 small fresh mint leaves
125g softened, unsalted butter
1tsp grated orange zest
8 thin slices white bread, crusts removed
8 thin slices brown bread, crusts removed
I have to admit I don’t associate Crabtree & Evelyn with
food but came across a wonderful second hand cookbook by them from 1989/
The bread needs to be firm and good quality, or the
sandwiches will just fall apart.
Peel the cucumber, halve it lengthways and then cut cross
ways, as thinly as possible into half-moon shapes. My addition to the recipe is
letting them rest on kitchen paper, while you do everything else, to soak up a little
of the water.
Chop the mint leaves and put them in a small bowl with the
butter and orange zest. Mash it all together until soft and well combined.
Spread each slice of white bread with the butter – C&E
reckon about 1 ½ tsp each and layer the cucumber on it. Top with the wholemeal
bread.
Cut into quarters or squares with a sharp serrated knife.
Garnish if you must.
I haven’t made these yet but plan to. The boy will need
persuading that these will only be part of a much more substantial picnic.
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