Click pic to get this cookbook at AmazonSupermodel and cooking goddess Padma Lakshmi, host of Top Chef knows from good food. Her cookbook, Tangy Tart Hot & Sweet, features a delicate little recipe for some delicious little sandwiches. With such an elegant dish, there's no way you can call these handheld hot sandwiches "sammies" Rachael Ray!

Tea Sandwiches with Lemon, Honey & Ginger

INGREDIENTS:

2 preserved lemon halves*
2 teaspoons honey
1 teaspoon crushed dried red peppers or red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon freshly minced ginger
10 slices of good white bread, toasted
10 thin slices of a hard Italian cheese like pecorino or caciotta

INSTRUCTIONS:

Chop the preserved lemons, being sure to remove any seeds first. Place them in a processor or blender with the honey, red pepper, and ginger; make a smooth paste.

Arrange the toast on a platter.

Spread the paste on the toast and top with a slice of cheese. Diagonally cut each slice to make equal triangles from each slice. You can serve as is or heat in a 350°F oven for a few minutes, just until the cheese melts. Either way, these are wonderful with tea or, even better, a glass of sherry.

Any left over lemon-honey paste will keep in the fridge in an airtight jar for weeks.
SERVES 6-8

RECIPE NOTE: Preserved lemons* are lemons that have been pickled in salt and their own juices, and are often used in North African cuisine. Available in specialty stores or online.

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