This unique fusion of turkey and honey butter tea sandwiches recipe combines the savory smoked turkey with the sweet and tangy honey butter spread. The addition of a hint of earl grey tea gives it a touch of sophistication, while the granny smith apple adds a fresh twist. Perfect for afternoon tea parties or simply as an elegant snack, this recipe is sure to impress your guests.
Most ingredients for this recipe are easily found in any supermarket. However, pumpernickel bread might be a unique item to some. It's a dark, slightly sweet bread from Germany made from coarsely ground whole rye grains. Another ingredient to note is the smoked turkey, which is different from your regular turkey due to its smoky flavor. It's typically found in the deli section.
Ingredients for the Turkey and Honey Butter Tea Sandwiches
Unsalted butter: This serves as the base for the honey butter spread, providing a creamy texture.
Honey: Adds a perfect touch of sweetness to balance out the savory elements.
Earl Grey tea: Gives a touch of sophistication and unique flavor to the spread.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of other ingredients.
Granny Smith apple: Adds a fresh, tangy flavor to the spread.
Lemon juice: Brightens up the flavors and prevents the apple from browning.
Pumpernickel bread: It's dark, dense and slightly sweet bread which complements the turkey and honey butter.
Smoked turkey: Gives a savory, smoky flavor which pairs well with the sweetness of the honey butter.
One reader, Haze Rohde says:
This turkey and honey butter tea sandwiches recipe is a delightful twist on a classic. The combination of flavors is simply divine, and the apple butter adds a refreshing touch. It's a perfect choice for a light and satisfying meal. Highly recommended!
Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Tea Sandwiches
How to prepare honey butter: Blend the butter, honey, ground tea, and salt until smooth.
How to toss apple: In a medium bowl, toss the apple with lemon juice, then squeeze out any excess liquid before mixing it into the honey butter.
How to assemble sandwiches: Spread a scant ½ tablespoon of the apple butter onto each slice of pumpernickel bread, top half of the slices with the smoked turkey, and close the sandwiches.
How to trim bread crusts: Use a sharp serrated knife to trim off the bread crusts.
How to cut sandwiches: Cut the sandwiches into 4 triangles using a sharp serrated knife.
How to serve: Transfer the sandwiches to a plate and serve.
How To Make Turkey and Honey Butter Tea Sandwiches
Throw the ultimate teatime party with these dainty tea sandwiches filled with homemade earl grey-apple butter and smoked turkey for sweet and savory snacks.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4ozunsalted butter,(1 stick)
- 1tbsphoney
- 1tspearl grey tea,(1 bag)
- 1pinchsalt
- ½granny smith apple
- 1tsplemon juice,fresh
- 16pumpernickel bread,thin slice
- ¾lbsmoked turkey,sliced
Instructions
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In a mini food processor or in a bowl, blend the butter, honey, ground tea and salt.
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In a medium bowl, toss the apple with the lemon juice. Squeeze out any excess liquid and pulse or mix the apple into the honey butter.
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Spread a scant ½ tablespoon of the apple butter onto each slice of pumpernickel bread. Top half of the slices with the smoked turkey and close the sandwiches.
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Using a sharp serrated knife, trim off the bread crusts. Cut the sandwiches into 4 triangles, then transfer to a plate.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 52.97kcal
- Fat: 3.59g
- Saturated Fat: 1.99g
- Trans Fat: 0.12g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.97g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.31g
- Carbohydrates: 2.60g
- Fiber: 0.31g
- Sugar: 0.83g
- Protein: 2.65g
- Cholesterol: 15.27mg
- Sodium: 37.82mg
- Calcium: 4.59mg
- Potassium: 35.78mg
- Iron: 0.20mg
- Vitamin A: 26.18µg
- Vitamin C: 0.06mg
Mastering the Art of Tea Sandwich Assembly
When blending the butter, honey, tea, and salt together, ensure that the ingredients are fully incorporated to create a smooth and flavorful spread. This will enhance the overall taste of your tea sandwiches. Also, when cutting the sandwiches into triangles, use a gentle sawing motion to prevent the bread from tearing or the filling from spilling out.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Turkey and Honey Butter Tea Sandwiches
Prep ahead: Prepare the honey butter and apple mixture the day before to save time on the day of serving.
Use pre-sliced turkey: Buying pre-sliced smoked turkey will save time on slicing and preparing the turkey for the sandwiches.
Assembly line: Set up an assembly line to efficiently spread the honey butter, add the turkey, and cut the sandwiches into triangles for quick and easy preparation.
Multi-task: While the sandwiches are being assembled, use that time to preheat the oven for any side dishes or prepare a quick salad to accompany the tea sandwiches.
Substitute Ingredients For Turkey and Honey Butter Tea Sandwiches Recipe
- unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and creaminess to the dish, while also adding a hint of coconut flavor.
- honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can offer a similar sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish, while adding a subtle hint of maple.
- earl grey tea - Substitute with chai tea: Chai tea can provide a warm and aromatic flavor profile, similar to the earl grey tea, but with added spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
- smoked turkey - Substitute with smoked chicken: Smoked chicken can offer a similar smoky flavor and tender texture, providing a delicious alternative to the turkey in the recipe.
Presentation Ideas for Tea Sandwiches
Elevate the tea sandwiches: Arrange the tea sandwiches on a beautiful platter or serving board, ensuring they are neatly arranged and visually appealing.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and color by garnishing the platter with sprigs of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, to enhance the overall presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a touch of elegance by incorporating delicate and colorful edible flowers as a garnish, adding a visually stunning element to the plating.
Utilize fine china or elegant serving ware: Serve the tea sandwiches on fine china or elegant serving ware to create a sophisticated and refined presentation that aligns with the standards of a Michelin-starred dining experience.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the tea sandwiches in a symmetrical pattern on the platter, ensuring a balanced and visually appealing display that showcases attention to detail.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For a luxurious and opulent touch, consider delicately placing gold leaf on the platter or sandwiches to elevate the overall aesthetic and create a sense of extravagance.
Consider the use of decorative serving cloths: Enhance the presentation by using decorative serving cloths or napkins to frame the platter, adding an extra layer of elegance to the overall display.
Incorporate a variety of textures: Introduce a variety of textures in the presentation by pairing the tea sandwiches with crisp crackers or toasted baguette slices to create a visually dynamic and appealing spread.
Pay attention to color contrast: Ensure that the colors of the tea sandwiches and accompanying garnishes create a visually striking contrast, adding depth and visual interest to the overall presentation.
Use elegant plating techniques: Employ meticulous plating techniques, such as precise placement and artistic arrangements, to showcase the tea sandwiches in a visually captivating manner that reflects the artistry of culinary excellence.
Essential Tools for Making Turkey and Honey Butter Tea Sandwiches
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for blending, chopping, pureeing, and mixing ingredients. It's great for making the honey butter and apple spread for the sandwiches.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the apple with the lemon juice and for any other mixing needs in the recipe.
Storing and Freezing Turkey and Honey Butter Tea Sandwiches
- To store the turkey and honey butter tea sandwiches, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- If you want to freeze the sandwiches, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Then, place the wrapped sandwiches in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- When freezing, it's best to use a sturdy bread like pumpernickel or whole wheat to prevent the sandwiches from becoming soggy when thawed.
- Frozen turkey and honey butter tea sandwiches can be stored for up to 1 month.
- To thaw frozen sandwiches, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them defrost overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can cause the bread to become soggy and the filling to spoil.
- For best results, remove the plastic wrap from the thawed sandwiches and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until the bread is crispy and the filling is heated through.
- Alternatively, you can toast the thawed sandwiches in a toaster oven or skillet for a few minutes on each side until warmed and slightly crispy.
Interesting Trivia About Tea Sandwiches
Pumpernickel bread is a type of bread that is traditionally made with coarsely ground rye flour. It has a dark color and a slightly sweet, earthy flavor, making it a unique and flavorful choice for tea sandwiches.
Budget-Friendly Tea Sandwich Recipe
This turkey and honey butter tea sandwiches recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are simple and readily available, and the recipe yields a delicious and satisfying dish. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, making it an affordable option for a meal or snack. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 8/10, as it offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures at a reasonable cost.
Are Turkey and Honey Butter Tea Sandwiches Healthy?
The turkey and honey butter tea sandwiches recipe, while tasty, may not be the healthiest option. Here's why:
- The recipe uses a significant amount of butter, which is high in saturated fat. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
- Honey, although a natural sweetener, is still a form of added sugar. Excessive sugar intake can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
- Pumpernickel bread, while a better choice than white bread, is still a refined carbohydrate. Consuming too many refined carbs can cause blood sugar spikes and contribute to weight gain.
On the positive side, the recipe does include some healthy ingredients:
- Smoked turkey is a lean protein source, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Granny Smith apples provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Earl Grey tea contains antioxidants that may offer some health benefits.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter used or replace some of it with a healthier spread like mashed avocado or hummus.
- Use a whole grain bread instead of pumpernickel to increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients.
- Swap the honey for a low-calorie sweetener or omit it altogether to reduce the added sugar.
- Add more vegetables to the sandwiches, such as lettuce, tomato, or cucumber, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content.
- Use a nitrate-free, low-sodium smoked turkey to reduce the intake of preservatives and excess salt.
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a tasty sandwich that better aligns with your health goals. Remember, moderation is key, and even with healthier ingredients, it's essential to watch portion sizes and balance your overall diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Editor's Take on This Delightful Tea Sandwich Recipe
This turkey and honey butter tea sandwich recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of the sweet honey butter with the subtle hint of earl grey tea creates a unique and sophisticated spread. The addition of Granny Smith apple adds a refreshing crunch and a touch of tartness, perfectly complementing the smoky richness of the turkey. Serving these sandwiches on pumpernickel bread adds a depth of flavor and a beautiful contrast in color. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic tea sandwich, making it a perfect choice for a sophisticated afternoon tea or a light lunch.
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Why trust this Turkey and Honey Butter Tea Sandwiches Recipe:
This recipe uses smoked turkey and honey butter to create a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors. The addition of earl grey tea in the butter adds a unique and aromatic twist. The use of granny smith apple provides a refreshing crunch and a touch of tartness. The careful attention to detail, such as trimming the crusts and cutting the sandwiches into triangles, showcases the dedication to presentation and taste. Trust the blend of flavors and textures in this recipe for a delightful tea sandwich experience.
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