Freezing or Making Tea Sandwiches in advance

[bottomlesspit]

That is, a day (not hours) in advance. Any helpful hints most appreciated.

Thanks!

Edited May 14, 2004 by bottomlesspit (log)

[Carolyn Tillie]

I wouldn't.

Frozen bread is a nasty thing and the joy of tea sandwiches is the fact that they are fresh. Depending on what you are using as a spread, it could seep into the bread and make them that much more unpalatable.

If really pressed for time, consider making them the night before and wrapping tightly in plastic and foil wrap.

[lala]

It's common in catering to make the tea sandwiches the day before. They're then stored, covered with a barely damp towel/paper towel, then tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. The moisture in the towel prevents the bread from drying out.

While this is a good technique, you should note that this is best done with meat/cheese/cream cheese fillings (sturdy, without an excess of moisture). Any sandwich made with a vegetable next to the bread (tomato, cucumber, etc) will turn soggy overnight. And any lettuce will usually wilt overnight in a sandwich.

[Suzanne F]

In addition to what's already been said:

No matter what the filling will be, coat the bread with a thin layer of butter first. This will act as a barrier to slow down the sogging. (Plus, of course, it adds a hint of yummy butter flavor. )

Hours before and wrapped as lala says, yes. The day before, well maybe, but the quality will suffer.

You can also do almost all of the prep a day ahead, making the fillings, prepping the vegetables, even buttering the bread. Wrap each element separately and well. Then assemble and cut the sandwiches shortly before the event.

[bottomlesspit]

Thanks! I knew I'd get a good and quick reply here.

I'm not all that keen on making them the day before, either, but this is what my client has requested (I think she doesn't want me there the day of the shower so she can take credit - which is just fine - part of what I get paid for).

Just so I've got it straight - wrap first in lightly dampened towel or paper towel then tightly in plastic? Do you stack several? And would it help to put pieces of wax paper in between?

And another thing - just what is the difference between plain old sandwich bread (which is the kind I've always used) and the "very thin, homemade style white bread" referred to in all my tea sandwich recipes?

[dlc]

I wrap in damp towel and then in plastic. Then I have put them into one of those large retangular tupperware like containers in multiple layers when fridge space is tight and they can then be stacked. I use Pepperidge Farms Thin sliced white bread as I think that the thin slices have a better texture and are less gummy than regular sandwich loaves. Tne best is still "pain de mie" thinly sliced

[Carolyn Tillie]

Totally agree with the Pepperidge Farm call -- you can't get thinner and better for sandwich bread. And, thankfully, they make their loaves almost perfectly square so cutting off the crust means less loss of bread.

[bottomlesspit]

Would you believe me if I told you that the Ralphs, Gelsons, and Bristol Farms in my neighborhood DO NOT carry the Pepperidge Farm bread? Sheesh!

[KarenS]

I wrap in cheesecloth.