These easy finger sandwiches are so fresh and delicious. Perfect for tea parties.

Makes 3 sandwiches

1/2 brick (4 oz) of cream cheese, softened or small container of whipped cream cheese
1 tablespoon mayonnaise or sour cream (use more if you want a more spreadable consistency)
1/8 teaspoon dried dill or minced garlic or chopped chives (optional)*
6 slices of white bread
1/2 cucumber, peeled and sliced 1/8” inch thin

1. After slicing the cucumbers thinly with a mandolin (be very careful!) or a sharp knife, sprinkle with salt and let it sit and drain with a paper towel over it.
2. Beat the cream cheese, mayonnaise or sour cream, and herbs (if using) in a medium-sized bowl until well mixed. Cover and leave in the fridge until ready to use. *To make things simpler, you can also buy a small tub of herbed cream cheese ready-made. Even plain cream cheese pairs well with cucumber.
3. Spread cream cheese on all 6 slices of bread. Trim off the crust. Layer slices of cucumber. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cut into 3 fingers. Total: 18 pieces

Variation:  Cucumber Sandwiches
Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese on 3 slices of bread. Lay cucumber slices on the pieces of bread, lightly sprinkle salt and pepper. Cover with the other bread slices to make a sandwich. Trim off crusts. Cut an X to produce 4 quarters (triangles) for a total of 12 pieces.