Gather all ingredients so that you have everything close at hand on the counter or table. Prepare a large bowl or your sink with icy water. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.Using a knife and cutting board, chop watercress.
Boil the Eggs
Place refrigerated eggs in a small saucepan and fill water to cover eggs 1-2 inches. Bring to a full boil.Remove from heat and cover the pan with a lid. Allow the eggs to set for 12-13 minutes. Drain off hot water, and then submerge the eggs in the prepared ice water.Placing the hot boiled eggs in ice water should aid in easy peeling.Peel eggs and slice them up in a medium bowl.
Add butter to the eggs and mash with a blending fork.
Add mayonnaise, capers, Dijon mustard, dill weed, paprika, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix to combine.
At this point you may assemble the sandwiches or place the egg mixture in a covered container and refrigerate up to 3 days before preparing.
Assemble the Tea Sandwiches
Prepare slices of bread by buttering one side of each. Lay out on the prepared baking sheet with buttered sides up.
Divide the egg salad into fourths. Spoon 1/4 on each of four buttered slices. Top each with chopped watercress. Place the remaining slices on top of each, buttered sides down. Press lightly.
Using a sharp knife or a bench knife, remove crusts. (Place crusts in a freezer bag for later use for croutons or dressing.) Slice sandwiches in half or in quarters.
Cover sandwiches with another sheet of waxed paper and refrigerate until ready to serve, up to an hour prior to serving.
To serve, garnish sandwiches with more watercress or fresh parsley. You could also garnish the sandwiches with slivers of carrot or English cucumbers, baby dill pickles, or green olives stuck through a toothpick.
Place sandwiches on a pretty serving tray or tiered serving dish. If serving on a traditional 3 tiered serving dish, you may serve the sandwiches on the bottom, with scones on the second level, and desserts on top. This recipe will make 8-16 tea sandwiches, and will serve 4-8 people.
Notes
*Unless otherwise indicated, all butter used on this site is salted. **You may opt to slice the sandwiches from a biscuit or cookie cutter. Assemble as directed.