Lemon and Basil Sandwiches

Filling 1: Season the quark with salt and freshly ground pepper and stir in the smoked paprika. Slice the lemons paper-thin using a mandolin or a very sharp knife. Remove any pips and place the slices on a paper towel to extract the excess moisture.

Spread each slice of bread with a good layer of the quark and lay 4-5 slices of lemon across the bread from corner to corner. Season and lay 3-4 basil leaves on top of the lemon. Roll up from corner to corner then cut in half. Place a small basil leaf on top and insert the skewer through it into the sandwich.

Filling 2: Beat the cream cheese until smooth and spreadable. Prepare the lemons as above. Spread each slice of bread with a layer of cream cheese.

Lay out 3 slices of bread and cover the cream cheese with lemon slices. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper and cover with basil leaves. Put another slice of bread, cream cheese side down, on top. Spread the top side with a thin layer of cream cheese and repeat with the lemon and basil leaves. Top with a third slice of bread. Use a sharp bread knife to cut off the crusts then cut into 3 fingers. Cut each finger in half to make small squares.

Arrange decoratively on a serving platter. Cover with a clean, damp tea towel if not using immediately. Makes 20 half rolls and 18 square sandwiches.