Drain mandarins well in a sieve. Put some mandarins aside for garnishing. Chop the remaining mandarins. Coarsely chop the walnuts
Stir cream cheese and brandy or milk until smooth. Add mandarin pieces and half of the nuts and knead everything with the cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Use an ice-cream scoop maker to cut off balls from the cream cheese or use two tablespoons to form cams
Wash lettuce leaves, shake dry and pluck a little smaller. Arrange on 4 plates and arrange 2-3 cream cheese balls on each plate. Garnish with the remaining mandarins and sprinkle with the remaining walnuts
Toast slices of bread until golden brown. Cut in half diagonally and place on the plates with the balls
Drink: mineral water