Smoky Turkey Tea Sandwiches with Earl Grey Honey Butter
Elevate your afternoon tea experience with these delightful Smoky Turkey Tea Sandwiches, infused with a luscious Earl Grey Honey Butter and crisp apples. Each bite harmoniously balances the richness of the creamy butter, the subtle smokiness of the turkey, and the refreshing crunch of Granny Smith apples. Perfect for any gathering, these sandwiches can be prepared in advance and are sure to impress your guests with their elegant flavors and textures. Enjoy them as a sophisticated snack or a delightful addition to your tea party spread!
N/A
Servings
40
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
1/2 cup (softened)
honey
1 tablespoon
Earl Grey tea
1 teaspoon (finely ground (from 1 tea bag))
salt
1 pinch
Granny Smith apple
1/2 (peeled and coarsely shredded)
fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon
pumpernickel or wheat bread
16 slices (thin slices)
sliced smoked turkey
3/4 lb
Instructions
1
In a mini food processor, combine the softened unsalted butter, honey, finely ground Earl Grey tea, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and well-combined.
2
In a separate medium bowl, mix the peeled and coarsely shredded Granny Smith apple with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning. Gently squeeze out any excess liquid and fold the apple into the Earl Grey honey butter mixture until incorporated.
3
Spread a generous half tablespoon of the apple-infused honey butter onto each slice of pumpernickel or wheat bread, ensuring an even layer.
4
Layer slices of smoked turkey atop half of the prepared bread slices, then top with the remaining slices to form sandwiches.
5
Use a sharp serrated knife to trim off the crusts of each sandwich for a clean finish. Cut each sandwich into quarters, forming elegant triangles.
6
Transfer the sandwiches to a serving platter and enjoy immediately, or refrigerate them covered with a lightly moistened paper towel and plastic wrap for up to overnight. Allow to come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
2.4g
Carbs
1.6g
Protein
0.3g
Fiber
0.4g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Smoky Turkey Tea Sandwiches with Earl Grey Honey Butter?
These are sophisticated finger foods that combine smoked turkey, shredded Granny Smith apples, and a unique honey butter infused with ground Earl Grey tea, served on pumpernickel or wheat bread.
How do you make the Earl Grey Honey Butter?
The butter is made by blending softened unsalted butter, honey, finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves, and a pinch of salt in a mini food processor until the mixture is smooth.
What kind of apples are best for these tea sandwiches?
Granny Smith apples are recommended because their tartness and crisp texture provide a refreshing crunch that balances the rich honey butter and smoky turkey.
How do I prevent the shredded apples from turning brown?
Mix the coarsely shredded apple with a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice immediately after shredding to prevent oxidation and browning.
Can I prepare these sandwiches in advance?
Yes, you can prepare them and store them in the refrigerator covered with a lightly moistened paper towel and plastic wrap for up to overnight.
What is the best way to serve these sandwiches?
While they can be refrigerated, they should be allowed to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Why do I need to squeeze the liquid out of the shredded apples?
Squeezing out excess liquid prevents the moisture from the apple from making the honey butter or the bread soggy.
What type of bread should be used for this recipe?
The recipe suggests thin slices of pumpernickel or wheat bread to provide a sturdy base and a complementary flavor profile.
How many calories are in one Smoky Turkey Tea Sandwich?
Each serving contains approximately 40 calories.
How much fat is in these tea sandwiches?
There are approximately 2.5 grams of fat per serving.
Is there a specific way to cut tea sandwiches?
Typically, you should use a sharp serrated knife to trim off the crusts first and then cut each sandwich into four triangles for an elegant presentation.
How much Earl Grey tea is needed for the butter?
You need 1 teaspoon of finely ground Earl Grey tea, which is roughly the amount found in one standard tea bag.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each sandwich provides about 1.6 grams of protein.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter plus a pinch of salt; if you use salted butter, you should omit the additional pinch of salt to avoid over-seasoning.
How much turkey is required for the full recipe?
The recipe requires 3/4 lb of sliced smoked turkey.
What is the carbohydrate count for these sandwiches?
There are approximately 2.4 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much honey is used in the Earl Grey butter?
One tablespoon of honey is blended into the butter mixture.
Are these sandwiches high in sugar?
No, they are relatively low in sugar with only 0.4 grams per serving.
What occasions are these sandwiches suitable for?
They are perfect for afternoon tea parties, brunches, elegant snacks, or as party finger foods.
How many slices of bread are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 16 thin slices of bread to create the sandwiches before they are cut into quarters.
Is the tea in the butter brewed or dry?
The tea used in the honey butter is dry and finely ground, not brewed.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, each serving contains approximately 0.3 grams of fiber.
How do you ensure a clean finish when cutting the sandwiches?
Using a sharp serrated knife is essential to trim the crusts and cut the triangles without flattening the bread or tearing the turkey.
What is the role of lemon juice in this recipe?
Lemon juice prevents the shredded apple from browning and adds a subtle brightness to the apple-infused butter.
Can I use white bread if I don't have wheat or pumpernickel?
Yes, while wheat or pumpernickel is recommended for flavor, white bread can be used as a substitute for a traditional tea sandwich look.
How do I incorporate the apple into the butter?
After the apple is shredded, squeezed dry, and mixed with lemon juice, it is gently folded into the Earl Grey honey butter mixture by hand.
Should I peel the apple before shredding?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the Granny Smith apple should be peeled before it is coarsely shredded.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The nutrition is calculated per sandwich triangle, and the 16 slices of bread produce 32 triangular quarters.
Can I use different types of tea for the honey butter?
While Earl Grey provides a specific bergamot citrus note, you could experiment with other finely ground black teas like English Breakfast or Lady Grey.
Why use a moistened paper towel when refrigerating?
A lightly moistened paper towel creates a humid environment that prevents the bread from drying out and becoming crusty while stored in the fridge.