Bring Those Little Cucumber Sandwiches!

For as long as I can remember, at every single event on my mom's side of the family, we had cucumber sandwiches. They were as normal as potato salad. The first few times I brought them to a gathering outside of my family, I couldn't believe the overwhelming response to them! People loved them, and more surprisingly, had never had one! They are absolutely the simplest, easiest things to make, and I promise, once you give them a try, you'll love them too!

My mom's sister, my Aunt Gay, was the pioneer of these little treats. Now, I'm not saying she invented them, but she was always the one who brought them. At some point, the torch was passed on to me and I was forever in charge of bringing them to any gathering. Although we don't meet as much as I'd like, you can guarantee that I'll bring these little sandwiches. It would be a crime not to!

Would you like to know how these are created? As the years have gone on, I've found a few tricks to make these easier to make, but the recipe still stands. Here are some tips before you get started:

Transport: 

If you need to take them long distances or keep them cool, try using a cooled insulated carrier! They never get smushed and can keep cool even when it's warm out! An alternative is to store them in a cake pan with a lid. They're beautiful displayed on a colorful platter too!

Cucumber Prep: 

I find that a mandoline slicer gives me even slices of cucumber. For a skinny cucumber, I suggest cutting them on an angle for more cucumber coverage! Also, it's tradition to "score" the sides of the cucumber for a more finished look. You just drag the fork long ways all around the cucumber. Don't ask me why, it's just tradition!

Prepping the Spread: 

Soften the cream cheese at room temp. You absolutely must use the powdered ranch mix for this. You can't sub in the dressing or you lose the consistency of the spread. A touch of liquid dressing can be used to smooth it out, but that's it! I finally measured out the packet of ranch mix and it contains 3 tablespoons. This recipe calls for 1.5 tablespoons. Did you know you should store unused powdered mixes like this in the fridge?? Neither did I (taco seasoning, gravy mix, all of it-in the fridge once you open it!). 

Choosing the Right Bread: 

At the time of this blog, it appears that the best bread for this sandwich is virtually impossible to find. Hands down, the best party bread is Rubschlager party bred. I prefer the pumpernickel, but the rye is an acceptable substitute. I cannot find this anywhere and I am going to go ahead and blame Covid. For today's blog, I cut slices of pumpernickel from the bakery. It's ok, but it tends to absorb moisture from the cucumber. Don't make these a day ahead if you're using fresh bread. They'll be soggy!

Put It All Together!

I use an assembly line for these, especially when I am making a lot. Have your cucumbers, spread and bread ready to go! Get your serving platter or travel container ready to go. Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese/ranch mixture on the party bread and place one cucumber on top. Once you have a layer of sandwiches in your container, it's time for the secret ingredient!

THE SECRET INGREDIENT...

Ok, it's nothing crazy, but it's what I believe really gives this sandwich its signature taste. Dried dill weed. Sprinkle it liberally all over your sandwiches. I do this once I have a layer because it saves time over sprinkling one sandwich at a time. I love dill and I've even dumped some in the cream cheese for an extra kick, but that's not necessary unless you really love dill. It also looks lovely and smells great!

Your guests will love simplicity of these little sandwiches. I know you'll be expected to bring them back, so save this recipe! They're easy to take and eat and they'll be gone before you know it! 

Recipe:

• 1-2 cucumbers, scored and sliced
• 1 8 oz. package of cream cheese
• 1.5 Tablespoons (or half a package) of dry Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing
• Pumpernickel party bread (or bakery bread cut into squares, roughly 2-3 inches)
• Dill weed (dried, for garnish)

Thank you for reading today's blog! Help me make this blog and Facebook page successful! You can:

1. Follow this blog with your email and get blogs sent directly to your email (see main page)

2. Share this link!

3. Like/Follow my Facebook page @HomeEricanomics

4. Talk about it! Word of mouth is the best advertising!