dear cooks,

Tracy Stern’s philosophy is this: “Enjoy life. Drink tea. Celebrate often.” Her passion for tea has inspired her to create a wildly popular line of teas and tea-based beauty products. She’s hosted hundreds of stylish tea parties to celebrate all sorts of occasions and has introduced a new generation to the pleasures of tea without any of its original stuffiness. Tracy Stern shares her tips and recipes in Tea Party, a fun, hip guide to throwing themed parties.

Featuring beautiful color photography throughout, Tea Party is an up-to-date slant on a beloved tradition, inspiring everyone to drink a little more tea, celebrate a little more often, and enjoy life a whole lot more.

cucumber-mint tea sandwiches

This is perhaps the most classic of tea sandwiches, and although it’s simple, it’s surprisingly delicious. Vary this basic recipe by replacing the mint with dill, thinly sliced radish, watercress, or shredded carrot. Instead of butter, you could spread a thin layer of mayonnaise, cream cheese, or goat cheese.

Makes 16 Tea Sandwiches

Ingredients

• 1 large cucumber
• Salt and white pepper
• 16 thin slices of bread
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 16 fresh mint leaves

Sprinkle the cucumber slices with salt and pepper and set aside in a colander for 10 minutes so any excess liquid can drain out. Pat dry with paper towels.

Using a cookie cutter, cut two 2-inch rounds from each slice of white bread. Coat each circle on one side with a very thin layer of butter.

Layer cucumber slices on top of the buttered side of 16 bread rounds.

Add a tiny dab of butter and top with a mint leaf. Place another bread round on top, butter side down, and press the sandwiches together gently. Serve immediately or refrigerate, wrapped in plastic, until ready to serve or for up to 3 hours.

happy cooking!

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