If using candied ginger, make a paste of the candied ginger by pulverizing it in a miniature food processor or coffee grinder.
In a medium bowl, combine carrots, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and ginger paste; add salt and pepper.
Spread one side of each piece of bread lightly with butter. Top the buttered side of 2 slices of bread with carrot/ginger mixture (about 1/4-inch thick). Top with alfalfa sprouts and top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side down.
Carefully cut the crusts from each sandwich with a long, sharp knife. Cut the sandwiches in half diagonally and then cut in half again. If desired, decorative shapes can be made with cookie cutters.
Yields 2 whole sandwiches or 4 halves or 8 fourths.
Making Sandwiches Ahead of Time:
If you need to make tea sandwiches in advance and need to keep them from drying out, cover them loosely with a sheet of wax paper and then place a damp kitchen towel over the wax paper (never place a damp towel directly on top of the bread because the sandwiches will become soggy). Refrigerate.
When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator. Uncover sandwiches just before serving.
* Choose the best-quality bread as possible. Never serve end slices. Freezing the bread before cutting and then spreading makes for easier handling.
Carrot Ginger Tea Sandwich Recipe: https://whatscookingamerica.net/sandwich/carrotgingersandwich.htm