Tea Sandwich Tuesday: Cranberry and Turkey Sandwiches

I know, it's spring. And very, very rainy. But I got in the mood, so had to indulge.

Cranberry and Turkey Sandwiches

Mix some Dijon mustard with some whole cranberry sauce, and spread on bread of choice. Top with some sliced vegan turkey, add another slice of bread, and voila! Oh, and but into desired shapes. I discovered, much to my woe, that the only bread in the house was hamburger buns. So I made do. Enjoy!

And, of course, one must have a cranberry flavored tea to go with it!

Tea Sandwich Tuesday: Pineapple and Cream Cheese Sandwiches

This is another super simple tea sandwich recipe. And pretty darned good, too.

Pineapple and Cream Cheese Sandwiches

Spread some softened or whipped vegan cream cheese on a slice of bread. Top with drained, crushed pineapple. Add another slice of bread, slice into desired shapes. Serve. Enjoy!

Today I am enjoying a black tea with black cherries. Divine!

Tea Sandwich Tuesday: Celery and Walnut Tea Sandwiches

We're recovering from spring break. Doesn't that sound strange, having to recover from time off? But it is nice to get back into our normal routine.

Celery and Walnut Tea Sandwiches

Mix cream cheese with chopped celery and walnuts, and spread on bread. Cut into desired shapes. Serve. Enjoy!

Wasn't that amazingly easy?

Today I slowly sip, and enjoy, a caramel apple rooibos tea. Peace be with me. Isn't this mug sweet? The handle is the tail.

Tea Sandwich Tuesday: Ham and Pineapple Tea Sandwiches

Seems like my grocery store has finally restocked the vegan deli ham slices again. I'm really waiting to find the Tofurky one, but no luck so far.

Ham and Pineapple Tea Sandwiches

One package vegan deli ham slices
Thinly sliced pineapple
Vegan honey mustard
Vegan mayonnaise
Cilantro

On one slice of bread of choice, thinly spread mayonnaise. Tear off cilantro leaves and dot over the mayonnaise. Layer this with a couple of slices of vegan ham, followed by the sliced pineapple. Spread the mustard on the second bread slice, and top the sandwich. Slice into desired shapes. Serve. Enjoy!

I enjoyed mine with a green tea with ginger, cinnamon, peppermint leaves, and rose petals.

Tea Sandwich Tuesday: Cream Cheese and Preserves Sandwiches

This has got to be the easiest, simplest tea sandwich recipe ever.

Cream Cheese and Preserves Sandwiches

One container vegan cream cheese, softened
Fruit preserves - your choice (I had strawberry rhubarb on hand)

Mix about a tablespoon or two of preserves into the cream cheese, blending well. Spread this on the bread of your choice, and cut into desired shapes. Serve. Enjoy!

Seriously, could it be any easier?

White tea with cinnamon in Herself the Elf mug:

Tea Sandwich Tuesday: Mushroom Tea Sandwiches

When you are following a recipe and accidentally mess one up, and it turns out better, this is what you get:

Mushroom Tea Sandwiches

One container vegan cream cheese
Diced onion, to taste
4 oz. can mushrooms, drained and rinsed
1/2 c. chopped smoked almonds

Mix everything together and spread on bread of choice, then cut into desired shapes. Serve. Enjoy!

In this case, the almonds were meant for another dish. I realized, later, that I had added them to this one instead, but discovered it really boosted the flavor!

I enjoyed the sandwiches with a mate' with blackberry and orange.

This delightful tea mug also comes with a lid to help keep the tea warm.

Tea Sandwich Tuesday: Chicken Salad

I love Delight Soy Nuggets. I'm bummed my closest Whole Foods doesn't carry them. Any time I visit a different Whole Foods, I check the frozen section for them, and if they carry them, I buy at least two. I think it makes the best tasting chicken salad.

Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches

One package Delight Soy Nuggets (baked and cooled, then shredded)
1 c. vegan  mayonnaise
1 t. tarragon
1/3 c. chopped onion

Mix everything together and spread on bread. Slice bread into preferred shape. Serve. Enjoy!

Today is a chocolate chai rooibos.

Tea Sandwich Tuesday: Golden Tea Sandwiches

I remember being at a retreat where everyone raved about pimiento cheese sandwiches. I'd never eaten them before, and, being vegan, didn't eat these. But I was intrigued by the responses, because I'd always associated pimiento cheese with being the one type of sandwich everyone generally avoided. Clearly, I was wrong.

However, my version got rave reviews from a couple of my kids, so I guess, once again, I was mistaken about the power of a shredded cheese sandwich.

Golden Tea Sandwiches

One package shredded vegan cheddar cheese
One container vegan cream cheese, softened
1/4 c. vegan mayonnaise
1/2 t. vegan Worcestershire sauce
1/8 t. onion salt
1/8 t. garlic salt
1/6 t. celery salt

Mix all ingredients together thoroughly, and spread on bread. Cut into desired shapes.

And for my tea today:

French vanilla with salted caramel

Tea Sandwich Tuesday: Peanutty Cucumber Sandwiches

There is just something fancy about eating tea sandwiches. Even ingredients you wouldn't think to put on a regular sandwich, once combined and cut into little triangles, just seem to work deliciously if you call it a tea sandwich. I'm not even joking.

Peanutty Cucumber Sandwiches

1/3 c. vegan mayonnaise
Handful of chopped cilantro
1 t. lime juice
1/8 t. black pepper
One cucumber, peeled and sliced thin
One carrot, shredded
2 T. unsalted dry roasted peanuts, chopped

Mix the mayonnaise, cilantro, lime juice, and black pepper together, and spread on a slice of bread. Sprinkle some of the chopped peanuts and shredded carrot on top. Lay a few slices of cucumber on top. Add a second slice of bread, and slice gently into whatever shape you like. Serve. Enjoy!

Today's tea is a green tea with cranberry and pomegranate.

Tea Sandwich Tuesday: Lightly Spiced Cucumber Sandwich

I may have mentioned before how much a fan I am of mysteries. I have amassed quite a collection by this time in my life, and thoroughly enjoy reading them. However, my love began years ago, thanks to my local PBS channel. They would air episodes of my two still favorites, Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Periodically, they would have fund raising campaigns, and one of the items I always wanted, but couldn't really afford to donate at the time, was a mug. Imagine my surprise while out junk shopping, as my dad calls it, I found one of those mugs.

It just totally made my day! So I sit here and type, as I sip a lovely herbal peppermint tea from my much loved new mug.

So, on to the sandwich for today!

Lightly Spiced Cucumber Sandwich

One container vegan cream cheese, softened
1/4 c. vegan mayonnaise
3 chopped green onions
1/8 t. hot sauce
1/8 t. ground red pepper
One cucumber, peeled and sliced thin
Bread of choice

Mix the first five ingredients in a bowl, and mix well. Spread lightly on one of the slices of bread, and layer the cucumber on top of this. Cover with another slice of bread. Cut, gently, into whatever shape you like. Serve. Enjoy!

Tea Sandwich Tuesday: Dill and Roast Beef Tea Sandwiches

Today's sandwich is dill and roast beef. Last week everyone but me raved about the sandwich. This time I think I liked it more than everyone else. They liked it, but had varying reactions. My dad couldn't taste the dill, but loves cream cheese, so liked it. Asked me for some of the leftovers. My mom liked last week's better. My husband was indifferent.

Personally, I thought the dill and garlic in this one made it much more flavorful, and the lettuce added a nice little crunch.

Dill and Roast Beef Tea Sandwich

Half a container of vegan cream cheese
1 t. dill
1/4 t. garlic powder
Tofurky Roast Beef Style Deli Slices
Lettuce (I used iceberg because that's what my mom likes)
Thinly sliced tomatoes
Bread (I used whole wheat)

Mix the cream cheese, dill and garlic together until well blended. Spread on one slice of bread. Layer a slice of the roast beef, some lettuce, and a tomato slice, then top it with a second slice of bread. I sliced mine into quarters, and left the crust on.

Today's tea mug and tea are:

Black tea with pomegranate.

Tea Sandwich Tuesday: Cheddar Walnut Tea Sandwiches

My husband and I visit my parents every Sunday, almost without exception. When I decided to get back to my tea blog, I wanted to do more than just post about my amazing tea collection. I figured tea sandwiches would be good. I mean, c'mon, what is tea without tea sandwiches, right? Okay, okay, fine, you don't need tea sandwiches, but they are kinda fun. So, back to my parents. I told my mom I was going to start bringing over a different one each week so they could be my guinea pigs. They have turned out to be very willing participants. Which is good, because they'll tell me if the sandwiches are delicious, or if they are better suited for the garbage can.

But first, my tea mug and tea of the day is:

Black and green chai. No, really, I'm not addicted to chai or anything. I just have a lot of different ones!

Okay, now for the tea sandwich.

Cheddar-Walnut Tea Sandwiches

1-1/2 c. vegan shredded cheddar
2 T. chopped onion (I used green onions)
3/4 c. chopped walnuts
1/4 c. vegan mayonnaise
Half a container of vegan cream cheese
1-1/2 t, vegan Worcestershire sauce
1/8 t. red pepper
Bread (I had Texas toast on hand, so used that)

Mix everything except the bread together, until well mixed. Spread on the bread, edge to edge, then cut off the crusts. I cut mine into triangles.

Personally, I thought it needed something more, but my parents, my husband, and my daughter-in-law all said they thought they were really good just as they were. My dad, in fact, loved them. I gave him all the leftovers to nosh on.

Bridal Shower Tea

My daughter got married last month. It was very exciting and a testament to geekdom. The honor attendants all wore dresses and tuxes to match the colors of their favorite superheroes. The music for the bride to walk down the aisle was the theme to Doctor Who. Wedding favors for guests were an array of books to choose from. I haven't had this much fun at a wedding, ever.

For the bridal shower, however, my daughter wanted something simple and lovely. She surprised me by expressing a desire for tea sandwiches. While her honor attendants put together a fabulous shower based on the honeymoon destination, I made sandwiches.

The honeymoon took place onboard the Queen Mary, with trips to both Disneyland and Hollywood. I used the Disney theme to decorate the table.

I made a selection of four different tea sandwiches, hoping to meet the needs and tastes of all guests.

Carrot and Pecan Tea Sandwiches

1 c. carrots, chopped
1 c. pecan pieces
1/2 t. salt
1-1/2 t. olive oil
1 t. lemon juice

Mix all of the ingredients together. Butter one side of two slices of whole wheat bread, and spread the mixture on the slices. Press the slices together gently, to make sure the mixture adheres to the butter. Cut into quarters.

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

One cucumber, peeled and chopped
8 oz. vegan cream cheese
1/3 c. vegan mayonnaise
1/4 t. garlic salt
1 t. dill

Mix all the ingredients together and spread on two slices of bread, one slice white, one slice whote wheat. Assemble slices together, and cut into quarters.

Ham Salad Tea Sandwiches

One package vegan ham, chopped
1/4 c. green onions, chopped
1/4 c. celery, chopped
1/4 c. vegan mayonnaise
1 t. brown sugar
1 t. lemon juice
1-1/2 T. parsley
1/2 t. pepper
1 t. vegan Worcestershire sauce

Mix all ingredients together and spread on two slices of rye bread. Assemble slices together, and cut into quarters.

Cream Cheese and Cranberry Tea Sandwiches

8 oz. vegan cream cheese
3 T. dried cranberries
2 T. pecan pieces

Mix all ingredients together and spread on two slices of whole wheat bread. Assemble slices together, and cut into quarters.

I also made a punch from tea.

Tea Punch

One bottle of orange juice
One bottle of pineapple juice
2 liter bottle of ginger ale
1 c. lemon juice

Brew 2 teabags in three cups of water and steep for an hour. Pour the tea and the remaining ingredients into a punch bowl. Serve.

The bride-to-be arrived with her intended and the two were giddy about the decorations and guests. The party game was a hoot, the gifts were splendid, and the food was enjoyed. It was a successful and exciting day! And a wonderful lead up to the wedding, and the start of a beautiful life together.

Very Vegetable Tea Sandwiches

I had the pleasure of having tea with a former Girl Scout of mine. We have been trying to get together for tea for a few weeks, and schedules have just interfered repeatedly. We finally managed to coordinate a time. Since we were meeting at her home, and she has small children, I decided to whip up some tea sandwiches that I thought even little kids would like. I think the jury is still out on that one.

Very Vegetable Tea Sandwiches

One package cream cheese, softened
1/4 c. carrots, chopped
1/4 c. onion, chopped
1/4 c. celery, chopped
1/4 c. cucumber, peeled and chopped
2 t. lemon juice
1 t. mayonnaise
1/4 t. salt
1/4 t. black pepper

Place all of the ingredients in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until well mixed. Spread on bread of choice (I used a multigrain bread) and cut into quarters.

We enjoyed a passionfruit and coconut green tea, and her children enjoyed the cookies I brought. It made for a very pleasant couple of hours!

A Tea for Valentine's Day

A little late, but...

I decided at the beginning of the year that I would have at least one themed tea each month. Last month it was in honor of Twelfth Night and this month it is, of course, Valentine's Day.

Despite the fact that I have an entire room devoted to Valentine's Day, filled with lots of pinks and reds and hearts, I don't have much in the way of decorations to put on my table. I do, however, have a lovely heart decorated tea pot.

I bought a red tablecloth to set the mood, and got to work on my special tea sandwiches. I pulled out my Valentine themed cookie cutters and got to work.

For the sweets category, I went with a cherry and a strawberry sandwich spread.

Cherry Tea Sandwiches

One package vegan cream cheese
One jar of maraschino cherries
Slivered almonds

After the cream cheese has softened, add the cherries with just a little bit of the juice for color and the almonds. Mix well.

Strawberry Tea Sandwiches

One package vegan cream cheese
One box of strawberries, hulled and chopped
Chopped pecans

After the cream cheese has softened, add the strawberries and the pecans. Mix well.

For the savory category, I went with a classic cucumber with a twist.

Benedictine Cucumber Tea Sandwich

One package vegan cream cheese
One cucumber, peeled
One small onion

Chop the cucumber and onion. When the cream cheese has softened, mix in the cucumber and onion and mix well.

I slathered on the spreads to a couple of different loaves of bread. I used heart and lips shaped cookie cutters to cut the sandwiches out of the bread. I packed up the unused trimmed sandwich bits to nibble on at a later time.

For the tea, I decided upon a hawthorn tea. Good for the heart, you know!

I was gifted with a dozen beautiful roses from my equally beautiful daughter, and they graced the table.

Because it fell on a work night, the hubby and I decided to wait until the weekend to go out for a romantic dinner. I could not, however, let the day pass without something special.

A Tea for Twelfth Night

January 6 is Twelfth Night, or as some would call it, Epiphany. Since for some this signals the end of the holiday season, it seemed appropriate for the first tea party of the new year. I decided to keep it fairly simple, augmenting the food and tea with a viewing of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.

Tea party food typically includes bite size sandwiches, a savory and a sweet. Scones or biscuits are often served, as well.

My sandwiches were pimiento cheese sandwiches, made with Daiya cheddar and vegan mayonnaise.

My savory was pecan halves with a vegan cream cheese filling.

My sweet was cake balls. Leftover rum cake pulsed into crumbs, mixed with a vegan cream cheese frosting, chilled then rolled into balls.

I offered a variety of teas so that participants could choose their favorite.

An alternative to watching a performance of Twelfth Night is to have your guests assigned roles and read. It's okay to double or triple up on roles, depending on the number of guests. As always, the important thing is to keep things light and fun and enjoyable for everyone.

You can learn more about ways to add to your celebration here.