Sandwich Layer-Cake

1. Hard-boil the eggs by placing them in a pan of cold water, bringing to a boil, then simmering for 9 minutes; cool them under cold running water, peel, and chop, reserving a few slices for the top.
2. Make the binding spread by blending the cottage cheese until smooth, then stirring it together with the mayonnaise and sour cream and seasoning with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice.
3. Trim the crusts from the bread to form even rectangles, then lay a first layer of slices side by side on a serving platter to make the base.
4. Spread a thin layer of the cheese mixture over the bread, then scatter over half of the chopped egg and a layer of the cooked shrimp along with some chopped dill.
5. Add a second layer of bread, press gently, and repeat with more spread, the remaining egg and shrimp, then top with a final layer of bread.
6. Mask the entire stack with the remaining cheese mixture, coating the top and sides like a cake, then chill covered for at least 2 hours so the layers firm up.
7. Just before serving, decorate the top with thin cucumber slices, the reserved shrimp and egg, sprigs of dill and lemon wedges, then slice through with a sharp knife to reveal the layers.

You'll use: Pan · Saucepan · Blender