Ham Tea Sandwiches with Gherkins and Pecans

Ham with sweet gherkins and hot sauce coupled with toasted pecans make for a different spin on traditional tea sandwiches.

½ lb cooked ham, cut into 1" pieces
½ medium onion, quartered
3 large sweet gherkins
½ cup pecans, toasted and cooled
2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. hot sauce
¼ cup mayonnaise
16 slices firm white sandwich bread

Garnish:
chopped parsley and pecans

Pulse all ingredients except bread in a food processor until finely chopped and combined well.

Spread ham mixture (¼ cup per sandwich) between slices of bread. Discard crusts, then cut sandwiches into triangles.

Makes 32 tea sandwiches.

Cooks' Notes: Sandwiches can be chilled, covered with dampened paper towels, then plastic wrap, 3 hours.