Herb and Tomato tea sandwich

Thanksgiving

The holiday weekend is behind us. Most everyone felt as though today was a Monday. I certainly did have hesitations getting out of bed this morning. The temperature also kept me under cover. I slept with windows open again. I really do appreciate the fresh air. I am hanging on as long as I can to these warmer temperatures. I need to take more walks. I may have missed all the gorgeous autumn color.

Next up Halloween for some. I myself am not fond of Halloween but I am having to warm up to it as the 9 grand children are all participating. Perhaps my next blog post will be the explanation as to why I decided to ignore Halloween for a decade.

I have had many guests reach out to share their kind words as I take time off to take care of me. I am so thankful to be surrounded by so many understanding people. Let’s talk afternoon tea and let me share a wonderful recipe with you.

Afternoon tea, teatime does not need to be fancy, elaborate and a time of stress filled preparations. It is to be a time in the day to slow down, prepare something nice, sit, enjoy, calm, peace. Reflection if you are alone and quiet, pleasant conversation if you have company.

Teatime can be as simple as warm water and a slice of toast bread. Or as elaborate as three tiered trays brimming with sweets, savories and scones. China laden table with crystal vases filled with fresh flowers and polished silver waiting to be used with the condiments.

So where to begin? Lets begin simple. Tea prepared with intent, boil the water, take time to warm the pot or your cup. Take time, slow down. Add a little something to nibble. Sweets or scones? Today I shall share a recipe that has been requested by a daughter.

A proper teatime needs time. No rush just time. You may say I don’t have time. I argue you make time for what is important. As I am showering myself in self care these days I can be an advocate for making time to enjoy a hot cuppa.

Please make time for yourself this week. Enjoy tea with a wee sandwich. My goal is to help you create a ritual that will benefit you and those around you that you care about. A quiet teatime can be that.

The recipe that I would like to share was recently found perusing through the internet or a magazine, I can not remember. It caught my attention as my two tomato plants were bursting with tasty looking fruit.

I have tried this recipe three times now, each time adjusting something different and enjoying each trial. Red cherry tomatoes or orange ones, a little early girl style. More dill, less parsley, lemon juice instead of vinegar, remember I have an allergy to vinegar. Homemade Whole30 mayo instead of store bought. Always delicious.

Send me a photo and review, how did you enjoy your herb and tomato sandwich at home

Herbed tomato sandwiches

Makes 8

Served between two bread rounds spread with herbed mayonnaise yellow and orange petite tomatoes shine as the filling of these savories that are destined to become tea party favourites

3 tablespoons mayonnaise (homemade)

1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh dill ( I adore dill so I was very generous)

1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh basil

1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh parsley

½ teaspoon red wine vinegar (lemon juice)

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

4 slices firm white sandwich bread frozen

¾ cup diced yellow and orange cherry tomatoes

In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, dill, chives, basil, parsley, vinegar, salt, and pepper ( can be made one day in advance and stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for flavours to meld)

Using a 1 ½ inch fluted round cutter cut 16 round form frozen bread slices. keep covered with damp paper towels until thawed or store in a resealable plastic bag.

Using paper towels, blot diced tomatoes to absorb extra juice

Spread a layer of herbed mayonnaise onto bread rounds

Top mayonnaise wide of 8 bread rounds with a layer of tomatoes

Cover each with a remaining bread round, mayonnaise side down

Serve immediately or cover with damp paper towels place in a covered container and refrigerate for up to one hour before serving.

Just before serving garnish each with a basil leaf and tiny tomato half if desired

Happy Teatime Tuesday to you!

 Cheers!