Armenian Cucumber on French Sourdough with Garlic Dill Chèvre, Herb Salt, + Olive Oil
I live for good bread. For as long as I can remember I have had an affinity for gluten, my body accepts it as fuel, an in-between meals sort of pick me up. My first affair with bread probably started when I used to work at the chic faux-French cafe Parc on the even chicer Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. The enormous sprawling restaurant could seat up to 400 people at once, and would do 1000 for brunch on Sunday without batting an eye. It was, to say the least, intense. My first day, I waltzed in through the staff entrance which led through the expansive bakery that baked bread for a majority of the restaurant group. The bakers were just finishing unloading the gorgeous baguettes and boules onto the cooling racks, the smell permeating through the kitchen. They all smiled as I walked through aimlessly trying to figure out where I belonged, whistling and chatting but I was too mesmerized by their bread to converse. Parc was a hard machine to work in but any place that has a whole drawer full of room temperature whipped salted butter and unlimited bread whenever I want, will forever hold a special place in my heart. Tea sandwiches or crostini or whatever you want to call them are simple and perfect for snacking on at picnics or when hosting unexpected company. Its a surefire way of impressing with no effort but as always, good ingredients are the key to this treat so be sure to find a quality baker or if you're desperate enough, make it yourself. Anything tastes decent onto of some baguette or a nice loaf of sour dough and works toasted, grilled, or plain. A nice cheese is a great idea, snacking veggies like cucumber work wonderfully as well as canned sardines, pickled peppers or pesto.
Cucumber Tea Sandwich
1 piece good bread, sliced how you please
1 heaping spoon full chèvre
slices of cucumber
salt & pepper + olive oil, to taste
Assemble all ingredients atop toasted bread. Enjoy!
