Calla Lily Sandwiches
Delightful calla lily sandwiches feature cream cheese and maramalade on bread, decorated with tinted almonds to resemble elegant flowers—perfect for spring parties or tea gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine almonds and food coloring in a jar; cover with lid and shake vigorously until almonds are evenly coated.
- Roll each slice of bread to 1/8-inch thickness with a rolling pin; cut with a 2 1/2-inch biscuit cutter.
- Mix cream cheese and marmalade; spread about 1 teaspoon on each bread round.
- Pinch the edges of one bread circle to form a calla lily shape.
- Press a tinted slivered almond into the pinched portion to serve as the stamen.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve a vibrant yellow color for the almonds, ensure you use a high-quality food coloring. If you don't have slivered almonds, chopped walnuts or pecans can be great substitutes. For a twist, try adding a hint of orange zest to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor. Rolling the bread thinly helps the sandwiches maintain their shape when pinched.
Serving Suggestions
These Calla Lily Sandwiches make an elegant addition to any tea party or spring gathering. Serve them alongside a refreshing Mango Jello Salad for a delightful contrast. They can also be paired with light beverages like iced tea or sparkling lemonade. For a complete meal, consider serving them with a vibrant salad or a light soup.
Storage & Reheating
These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep them from getting soggy, place parchment paper between layers. Reheat them gently in a toaster oven if you prefer them warm, but avoid using a microwave as it can make the bread chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Calla Lily Sandwiches contains roughly 319 calories, with 6g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (19% of the Daily Value) and protein (11% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare these sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sandwiches a few hours in advance. Assemble them without pinching the edges and store them in the refrigerator. Pinch and add the almonds just before serving to keep them from becoming soggy.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt mixed with a little honey. This will provide a creamy texture while adding a slight tang, complementing the sweetness of the marmalade.
How can I make these sandwiches more colorful?
Consider using different food colorings to tint the almonds in various shades. Additionally, you could mix in edible flowers or use flavored cream cheeses to enhance both the color and flavor of the sandwiches.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).