Elegant Tarragon And Tomato Butter Tea Sandwiches

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These delightful and rather unusual tea sandwiches combine the delicate french herb tarragon, with ripe tomatoes, garlic and shallots – a change from the usual basil and tomatoes. The tomatoes are gently poached with all the seasonings until a thick puree or butter is obtained; the tomato butter is then cooled and you are left with a wondrous sandwich filling, bursting with flavour and colour! The butter can be used for all manner of things, including a topping for a pizza or for toasted sandwiches. Use fresh bread, white or wholemeal, and garnish with fresh tarragon leaves. Any excess butter can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week in the fridge. Nb: prep time includes chilling time for the butter.

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Steps

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Heat the olive oil in a small pan and fry the shallots and garlic until soft.

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Add the tomatoes to the shallots with the tarragon.

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Simmer for 15-20 minutes until reduced to a thick pulp.

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Press through a sieve and leave to cool.

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Once cold , beat the pure slowly into the softened butter.

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Season , and make into sandwiches with the white bread.

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Cut into fingers or triangles and serve as part of an afternoon tea , or a picnic lunch !.

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Ingredients

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olive oil, shallots, garlic clove, tomatoes, fresh tarragon, butter, salt & freshly ground black pepper, white bread