Finger sandwiches are a common appetizer at parties or luncheons.
Finger sandwiches originate from tea sandwiches, which traditionally use thin, white bread and a lean filling comprised of cheeses and fresh vegetables. Unlike tea sandwiches, finger sandwiches are sliced into long, thin pieces, versus triangles or squares, and contain a wider variety of fillings. Types of finger sandwiches can be categorized based on their filling, which significantly alters the texture and taste of the sandwich.
Vegetable Sandwiches
Vegetable-based finger sandwiches usually contain one or two types of vegetables along with cheese or a sauce to hold the sandwich together. Cucumber sandwiches are the most common, vegetable-based finger sandwich and are known for being light and refreshing. They contain sliced cucumbers complemented by a cream cheese filling, which can be altered by adding mint, garlic powder or other herbs and spices. Other vegetable-based finger sandwiches include asparagus, tomato and mozzarella or watercress.
Salad Sandwiches
Many finger sandwiches have a salad filling which typically consists of a chopped meat or vegetable mixed with a mayonnaise base. For example, egg salad sandwich filling includes chopped, hard-boiled eggs and mayonnaise flavored with mustard, salt and pepper. Such a salad base can be spiced up by adding chopped pickles, green onions or celery. Other common salad fillings for finger sandwiches are chicken salad, tuna salad and ham salad.
Meat Sandwiches
Meat is not as commonly used for finger sandwiches as vegetables or cheeses, as finger sandwiches are traditionally meant to be served with tea, therefore tending to be lean. A lean meat alternative for finger sandwiches is smoked salmon which is commonly combined with capers and cream cheese. Examples of other meat sandwiches include bacon and cream cheese, ham and cheese or chicken and avocado.
Cheese Sandwiches
Cheese sandwiches are the simplest type of finger sandwiches to make and usually contain no more than a single type of cheese, sometimes with a little mayonnaise or mustard to add extra taste. Walnut cream cheese finger sandwiches are a more dressed up version of a typical cheese sandwich, adding walnuts, herbs and spices, like nutmeg, to its cream cheese base.
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