Goat Cheese Tea Sandwiches

Goat Cheese Tea Sandwiches with Raisins and Pecans

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Goat Cheese Tea Sandwiches are a delightful and elegant option for a light lunch or afternoon tea. These sandwiches are filled with a creamy goat cheese and watercress mixture, then coated in toasted pecans for a crunchy texture. They are perfect for a fancy gathering or a simple picnic in the park.

History

Tea sandwiches have been a popular choice for afternoon tea in England since the 19th century. The tradition of serving small, delicate sandwiches with tea has since spread to other parts of the world, with various fillings and flavors being used. Goat Cheese Tea Sandwiches are a modern twist on the classic tea sandwich, incorporating the tangy flavor of goat cheese and the peppery taste of watercress.

Ingredients

2 5.5 oz (156 g) logs of soft fresh goat cheese (such as Montrachet), at room temperature
0.5 cup of chopped watercress leaves
16 thin slices of cinnamon-raisin, date, or whole wheat sandwich bread, with crusts trimmed
5 tbsp (approximately) of unsalted butter, at room temperature
0.75 cup of finely chopped toasted pecans
watercress sprigs (for garnish)

How to prepare

In a medium bowl, mix together cheese and chopped watercress. Season with salt.
Evenly spread the mixture over 8 slices of bread.
Place the remaining bread slices on top. Butter the edges of the sandwiches.
Cut the sandwiches diagonally in half.
Place pecans on a plate.
Dip the buttered edges of the sandwiches into the pecans.
Arrange the sandwiches on a platter.
Garnish with watercress sprigs.
If desired, cover the sandwiches tightly and chill for up to 8 hours before serving.

Variations

Substitute arugula or spinach for the watercress for a different flavor profile.
Add a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze to the sandwiches for a touch of sweetness.
Use different types of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use soft fresh goat cheese for a creamy texture in the filling.

- Toasting the pecans before coating the sandwiches adds a rich, nutty flavor.

- Chilling the sandwiches before serving allows the flavors to meld together and makes them easier to slice neatly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Goat Cheese Tea Sandwiches with a side of fresh fruit or a mixed green salad for a complete meal. They also pair well with a cup of hot tea or a glass of sparkling wine.

Cooking Techniques

Toasting the pecans adds a depth of flavor to the sandwiches. Make sure to watch them carefully while toasting to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have goat cheese, you can use cream cheese or brie as a substitute. You can also use different types of bread, such as whole wheat or sourdough.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the goat cheese and watercress filling ahead of time and assemble the sandwiches just before serving. The sandwiches can also be made the night before and chilled until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the sandwiches on a tiered serving tray for an elegant presentation. Garnish with additional watercress sprigs and a sprinkle of chopped pecans for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Goat Cheese Tea Sandwiches pair well with a variety of beverages, such as hot tea, white wine, or sparkling water. They also go well with fresh fruit or a light soup.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwiches in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Goat Cheese Tea Sandwiches contains approximately 280 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Goat Cheese Tea Sandwiches contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Goat Cheese Tea Sandwiches contains approximately 18 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Goat Cheese Tea Sandwiches contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Goat Cheese Tea Sandwiches are a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin K.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (goat cheese) and nuts (pecans).

Summary

Goat Cheese Tea Sandwiches are a delicious and nutritious option for a light meal or snack. They are rich in protein, calcium, and vitamins, making them a satisfying and healthy choice.

Summary

Goat Cheese Tea Sandwiches are a delicious and elegant option for a light lunch or afternoon tea. With a creamy goat cheese and watercress filling, coated in toasted pecans for a crunchy texture, these sandwiches are sure to impress your guests. Serve them with a side of fresh fruit or a mixed green salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Goat Cheese Tea Sandwiches. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret at her charming countryside cottage. Margaret was known for her exquisite taste in cooking, and she always had a new and exciting recipe up her sleeve to share with me.

On this particular day, Margaret had invited me over for a traditional English tea party in her lush garden. As we sipped on fragrant cups of Earl Grey tea and nibbled on delicate cucumber sandwiches, Margaret suddenly brought out a tray of the most elegant and delectable tea sandwiches I had ever seen. The sandwiches were made with soft slices of fresh bread, creamy goat cheese, and a hint of tangy chutney. They were the perfect blend of savory and sweet, and I couldn't wait to try them.

Margaret saw the look of curiosity on my face and smiled knowingly. "These are my Goat Cheese Tea Sandwiches," she said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "I learned the recipe from my grandmother, who learned it from her grandmother before her. It's a family heirloom, passed down through generations."

I was intrigued. I had always admired Margaret's culinary skills, and I knew that any recipe with such a rich history must be truly special. I begged her to share the recipe with me, and she graciously agreed.

As Margaret guided me through the steps of making the Goat Cheese Tea Sandwiches, I listened intently, taking mental notes of each ingredient and technique. She explained how the creamy goat cheese was mixed with a touch of cream and fresh herbs to create a luxurious spread, and how the tangy chutney added a burst of flavor that complemented the richness of the cheese perfectly.

After we had assembled the sandwiches and arranged them on a delicate china platter, Margaret poured us each another cup of tea and we sat down to enjoy our creation. The sandwiches were even more delicious than I had imagined, and I savored each bite as I listened to Margaret's stories of her grandmother's legendary tea parties.

From that day on, Goat Cheese Tea Sandwiches became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I made them for special occasions and gatherings, and each time I served them, they were met with rave reviews. I loved that I could share a piece of Margaret's family history with my own friends and loved ones, and every time I made the sandwiches, I felt a connection to the generations of women who had passed down the recipe before me.

As the years went by, I continued to refine the recipe, adding my own personal touches and experimenting with different flavors and variations. I found that a sprinkle of toasted nuts added a delightful crunch, and a drizzle of honey lent a subtle sweetness that paired beautifully with the tangy goat cheese.

I shared the recipe with my own grandchildren, teaching them the same techniques and traditions that Margaret had taught me. I loved watching their faces light up with delight as they bit into a freshly made Goat Cheese Tea Sandwich, and I knew that the recipe would live on for generations to come.

To this day, whenever I make Goat Cheese Tea Sandwiches, I think of Margaret and her grandmother, and I am grateful for the gift of their cherished recipe. It is a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past, and to create lasting memories with those we love. And as I sit down to enjoy a cup of tea and a plate of sandwiches with my family, I am filled with a sense of warmth and nostalgia that can only come from sharing a truly special recipe with those who mean the most to me.