She Strengthens

Elegant Tea Sandwiches with a Twist

A Classic Combination Reimagined

Butter, radishes, and watercress come together in perfect harmony in these delightful tea sandwiches. To elevate this classic combination, we’ve added a sweet and tangy twist by pickling the radishes. The result is a refreshing and flavorful treat perfect for a bridal shower or afternoon tea party.

Plan Ahead

To make these sandwiches, you’ll need to plan ahead and allow at least 24 hours for the pickled radishes to mature. But trust us, the wait is well worth it.

Yield and Difficulty

This recipe yields 16 tea sandwiches (or 4 regular sandwiches) and is considered easy to make. The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 50 minutes, plus the 24-hour pickling time.

Pickling the Radishes

To make the pickled radishes, combine the following ingredients in a small saucepan:

• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon yellow or brown mustard seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

Preparing the Radishes

Meanwhile, trim the leafy tops off the radishes, wash them, and thinly slice them. Place the sliced radishes in a pint jar. Once the brine has cooled, pour it into the jar, making sure to cover the radishes completely. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for at least 24 hours.

Assembling the Sandwiches

To assemble the sandwiches, spread 1/2 tablespoon of unsalted butter on each bread slice and season with salt and pepper. Divide the watercress among 4 of the bread slices, then shingle the pickled radishes over the watercress. Close the sandwiches with the remaining 4 slices of bread, trim the crusts, and cut into rectangular tea sandwiches.

Tips and Variations

These sandwiches pair perfectly with a refreshing cucumber sandwich and a fruity tea-infused sparkling punch. Consider serving them at your next bridal shower or afternoon tea party for a delightful and memorable treat.