Over the past months, we have been working flat out at the Soho Sandwich company, making thousands and thousands of sandwiches for many of the very special events that have taken, and are taking, place up and down the country during the summer, writes Adam Gilbert.

The particular favourite event that we cater for is the test match that has just been played at Lord’s Cricket Ground and for which we create what could be considered the ultimate in traditional English afternoon tea finger sandwiches. I am referring, of course, to the cucumber sandwich, which, believe it or not, is one of the most complicated sandwiches we make, due to the fact that the cucumbers have such a high water content, which can end up making soggy sarnies.

Our process is that we first remove the skin from the cucumbers, using a potato peeler, and then leave the cucumbers in a fridge overnight to allow sufficient time for them to dry out somewhat and to avoid the bread from becoming damp.

Once dry, the cucumbers are cut laterally and all seeds are removed; we then mix low-fat cream cheese with finely chopped chives, spring onions and cracked black pepper, all of which is spread on the bottom slice of sunflower and pumpkin seed bread, and the laterally sliced and de-seeded cucumbers placed on top.

Finally, we use wild English rocket, which is in plentiful supply at the moment and provides an excellent finish to this wonderful cucumber sandwich. The sandwich is a superb accompaniment to a glass of pink Champagne.

== Ingredients Quantity ==

Peeled English cucumbers 70g

Low-fat cream cheese 50g

Chopped chives 10g

Spring onions 10g

Wild English rocket 5g

Cracked black pepper

Sunflower/Pumpkin loaf 2 slices