Gourmet tips news

This is the second post of a series on afternoon tea sandwiches. It's taken me a little longer than I expected to post about them because I have been insanely busy, but alas here they are. These little dainties are part of an event I catered this week, a Sip and See for a precious little bebe. I had a wonderful client with who requested dainty food for 50 ladies for the afternoon affair. J., my client was wonderful to work for. I realized in the first five minutes of our first meeting, I had met my match when it came to control issues and an overwhelming desire to strive for perfection. This is not something that happens to me very often, most people tend to be a lot more laid back. The party was beautiful and J. was very happy and appreciative with the result which gave me immense satisfaction. Having a client like her made me step up to the plate and do my job better. When making sandwiches I don't really measure out ingredients, I tend to just make things up as I go along....

I love pimento cheese, not the yellow stuff you buy at the grocery though. I like home-made pimento, made with Goat Gouda and roasted red and yellow bell peppers. When I used to serve afternoon tea, I was constantly having to come up with new recipes and ideas for sandwiches to keep on the menu. This Goat Gouda pimento made it's regular appearances and was always a favorite. I use bottled roasted red peppers, then dice them and mix them in with the cheese and mayonnaise. As for the mayonnaise, I like to make my own (it's very easy). If you would rather use the store bought variety, Hellman's or Duke's brand mayonnaise are the creamiest. I like the Goat Gouda, but a smoked or plain cow's milk Gouda work very nicely as well. I used a 14 grain bread, but most any bread would work well- use your favorite. If I am making small tea sandwiches, I sometimes make them ahead of time. I cover the sandwiches with a slightly damp tea towel and refrigerate them until I need them....