Downton Abbey Tea Sandwich Extravaganza

Laura always makes me delicious food so today I wanted to make her something. I combined the two things she loves most: Downton Abbey and sandwiches. So I embarked on an epic Downton Abbey themed tea sandwich extravaganza. 

I decided to make four kinds of sandwiches: Coronation Chicken, Spicy Tuna, Cucumber, and Salami. I also made an English Trifle for dessert.

Coronation Chicken was by far the most time intensive and the most delicious! I started by preparing the chicken. I combined cooked breasts with sour cream and curry powder, poured the mixture into a bowl, and let the flavors combine in the fridge over the afternoon. Then I started preparing the mango chutney I'd add later. In a saucepan I combined distilled white vinegar, sugar, mango, raisins, garlic, mustard, crystallized ginger, and onions.

Then I started chopping the ingredients while the chutney bubbled. I sliced a cucumber in thin slivers and added some salt to dry them out a little.

Then I checked on the chutney again. Looking good!

Then I made the filling for the spicy tuna sandwiches. Pictured is diced sweet pickles, red onions, and Sriracha. 

Then I checked on the chutney again. The chopped mango and raisins looked more vibrant in color.

With most of the sandwich fillings done, I started preparing the English Trifle. The bananas in orange juice are the secret ingredient. It added a little zing to an otherwise plain dessert!

And then I checked the chutney again... and realized I had burned it! Oh well. I'm pretending like this didn't ruin my whole month... It was still good though.

My mom made homemade whipped cream for the trifle. She worked at a bakery when I was growing up, so I always turn to her when I need help icing something nicely.

And with that, I set the table and the tea sandwich extravaganza was served! Recipes below. Laura and I liked the Coronation Chicken the most, but my mom's favorite was Spicy Tuna.

Coronation Chicken:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon curry powder mixed with 2 teaspoons water
• 1/4 – 1/3 cup mango chutney

Spicy Tuna:

• Some diced sweet pickles
• 1/2 red onion
• 1/4 cup mayonaise
• Couple squirts of Sriracha
• 1 can of tuna

Salami and Cream Cheese:

•  Well, the ingredients are in the name, so no explanation is required.

Cucumber:

• I made it the traditional way by buttering the bread and adding cucumbers.

English Trifle:

• Layer chopped angel food cake on the bottom of the bowl.
• Add strawberries, kiwi, bananas in orange juice (important!!!) and vanilla pudding. Add another layer of the same.
• Top with (preferably homemade cause it's so so good) whipped cream.

Gnight,

Linda