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Kissing In The Kitchen with Shawnie Kelley

Recipes / British & Irish, Holidays & Entertaining, Starters

Finger Sandwiches

The first course of Afternoon Tea is typically crustless finger sandwiches that can be eaten in 2-3 bites. They are meant to take the edge off your hunger, but not be too filling. Plan to serve about 4-5 per person depending on the size.

A nod to the Queen Elizabeth’s 70th anniversary on the throne, this classic chicken salad was created for her 1952 Coronation and been served at Buckingham Palace ever since.

Yield
24 rectangular sandwiches
Jump to directions ↓

Directions

  1. Make sure the chicken is shredded and chopped fine enough to fit on small sandwiches.

  2. In a large bowl, place the chicken and toss it with the olive oil, lemon zest and juice. Set aside.

  3. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter add the shallot and chili; cook for 1 minute, but be sure not to burn the shallot or butter.

  4. Add the curry powder and toss for another minute to create a pasty texture.

  5. Reduce the heat to medium low; then stir in the tomato purée and cook for two minutes.

  6. Add the wine, scraping off any bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer until the volume of the liquid has reduced by half.

  7. Stir in the jam and stock, and simmer until the volume of the liquid has reduced by half. Set aside to cool.

  8. In another bowl, mix the mayonnaise and crème fraîche together; then stir in the cooled curry dressing. Fold in the chopped mango, spring onions, lemon juice and coriander.

  9. Pour the curried mayo sauce over the chicken and use tongs or a large spoon to stir until the chicken is completely folded in.

  10. Adjust with salt, pepper, and tabasco to taste.

  11. Lay out 8 slices of bread evenly spread chicken salad across each piece. Top with remaining bread slices and press gently, being careful not to squish chicken out of the sides.

  12. You should have 8 sandwiches at this point. Use a shark knife to cut the sandwiches lengthwise into thirds to create 3 long, rectangular tea sandwiches. You will have 16 rectangular sandwiches or cut in half again for 32 square sandwiches.

From Shawnie's class “Mother’s Day Celebration: Afternoon Tea” (also taught in English Afternoon Tea)