INPUT ARTICLE: Article: A classic cucumber cream cheese sandwich is an elegant example of simplicity, relying only upon the creamy tanginess of cream cheese, paired with the crisp crunch of a cucumber housed between two pillowy pieces of white bread. There's nothing wrong with breaking from tradition now and again, though! Experiment with these different filling options: Option #1: Mix 4 ounces cream cheese with 1-2 ounces of goat cheese. Mix in fresh lemon juice to taste (about 1-2 tablespoons), and salt and pepper to taste. Option #2: Mix 4 ounces of cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of finely chopped dill. Mix in fresh lemon juice to taste (about 1-2 tablespoons, but more if you'd like), and season with salt and pepper. Option #3: For a zestier filling, mix 4 ounces of cream cheese with 1/4 cup of mayonnaise. Add in either 1-2 tablespoons of Ranch dressing OR about packet of dry Ranch dressing seasoning mix (start with a small amount of dressingwhether it's wet or dryand increase as needed). Season with salt and pepper to taste, but know that you may need less salt with this filling mixture. Once you've selected your choice of filling, simply mix all of the ingredients together in a medium sized bowl. Make sure that the cream cheese has softened to room temperature, or you may have a difficult time getting a smooth texture. You may also mix the ingredients together in a stand mixer. Most recipes call for you to peel the cucumber. This is optional, though. If you like the flavor of the peel or like the added crunch it brings to your sandwich, leave them on. If your cucumber has seeds, consider removing them. This will result in a crunchier final sandwich, but many chefs lament the loss of the flavor that the seeds/middle of the cucumber lends. Slice the cucumbers very thinly. It's easiest to cut your cucumber into thin rounds, but some chefs prefer to cut the cucumber length-wise. You can also cut the cucumbers on a bias: Angle your knife forty-five degrees to your left (imagine a clock in front of you: place the tip of the knife at 10 o'clock and the handle of the knife down towards 4 o'clock). Proceed to cut into thin slices. Spread your filling very thinly on both sides of the bread, and then layer your sliced cucumbers on one piece of bread. Though you've already seasoned your filling, you may want to sprinkle just a bit of salt and/or pepper on top of the cucumbers. Place a second piece of bread (which has also been spread with the filling) on top of the cucumbers, and firmly press down. It's traditional to remove the crusts from the sandwiches, but this is an optional step. Your final sandwich will look more elegant and refined if you remove the crusts, so we definitely recommend cutting off the crusts if you'll be serving them to guests. Experiment with cutting them into dainty shapes such as triangles or slim fingers. However you cut them, cut neatly and consistently. Snack on any mis-cuts or leftovers yourself in the kitchen! Once you've finished cutting your sandwichesor once you've finished putting the sandwiches together if you are a crust-loverall that remains to be done is to serve and enjoy them!

SUMMARY: Select your cream cheese mixture. Mix the filling. Prepare the cucumber. Put the sandwich together. Cut the crusts off the bread and serve. Finished.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: or cupcakes. Cake is always a surefire hit, especially with younger crowds. Buy a cake mix from the store for an easy dessert, or try making one from scratch. Make your cake on the day of the party to ensure it stays fresh. Buy or make frosting, or top a plain vanilla cake with fresh fruit. Offer ice cream on the side. Choose a seasonal fruit for a pie that suits any time of year. Pies are best when served fresh, so make yours on the day of the party, if possible. Apple pie and pumpkin pie are great choices for fall or winter parties. For summer and spring, choose a lighter filling for your pie, like peach, lemon meringue or key lime. Cookies are great for parties with both kids and adults and are especially appropriate for big parties, since you can bake up large batches of them. Classic cookies like chocolate chip or sugar, are failsafe dessert options. Make your cookies a day in advance to save time on the day of the party. Store them in a resealable bag to ensure they stay fresh. For that gooey, just-out-of-the-oven taste, warm a plate of cookies up for 5-10 seconds in the microwave before serving. This is a great option for busy hosts who don't have time to whip up a dessert while cooking dinner. Offer chocolate and vanilla flavors and make sure you have chocolate sauce on hand. Buy extra toppings and have a do-it-yourself sundae bar. Offer chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, chocolate chips, sprinkles, whipped cream, and fruit, such as bananas or strawberries. Set your ingredients on the table and let guests serve themselves!

SUMMARY:
Bake a cake Bake a pie. Bake cookies. Serve ice cream.