Sandwiches to make life more pleasant for those around you

I grew up in Florida when this was a Southern state. You may think this is still Southern, but it is just a jumbled mix of people from everywhere - which is good - but it is no longer truly Southern.

Back in the day, young ladies and young men of a certain age (middle school) were schooled - and it was a very strict three year program - in the courtesies that make life more pleasant for them and for those around them. 

We were being prepared for an adulthood of cocktail parties, balls and formal dinners. Despite my many protestations I graduated at 13 from that tortuous basic training having learned to do all that was expected of a well-bred adult.

And, then, I promptly did everything I could to become my own person. I wore pearls with a denim jacket and a gauze skirt, white shoes and a mismatched purse after Labor Day and I routinely ate my appetizer with a dessert fork just to see people cringe. (No wonder I wound up in an ill-fated marriage to a Yankee after college...who else would have me?)

But all that has changed. Though the Junior League still offers a fine multi-year cotillion curriculum, it is no longer de rigueur for all young people raised in the South. Not one of my three daughters took the classes and they all turned out just fine.

Somehow, the other day I was thinking back fondly on my finishing training and I remembered the ridiculous Cucumber Dill Sandwiches (sans crusts, of course) that the young ladies practiced - literally ad nauseum - making for proper parties. I thought I should share the recipe in case you are called upon to be a host or hostess of such a fine affair.

Cucumber Dill Sandwiches for a Proper Party

1 loaf of white bread, crusts removed
1 package of cream cheese
1 package of dry salad dressing mix
1 large cucumber
Fresh dill, to taste

Wash the cucumber and draw the tines of a fork lengthwise along the skin to break it and to to make a lovely design when it is sliced. Slice the cuke.

Soften the cream cheese and mix in the dry powder.

Spread half of the bread with the cream cheese mixture, top with a cucumber slice and sprinkle with dill weed.

Top with the other half of the bread slices. Serve chilled.

Vegetarian.