Cucumbers!

We all breathed a deep sigh of relief with this week's ten-pound share. 
Since four of those pounds are cucumbers, I've been testing recipes.  Here is a nice relish that I've been adding to tacos.  Please comment on this post with your own favorite cucumber recipes (look for the small "Comments" link at the bottom of this post on the weblog). 

Sassy Corn and Cucumber Relish 
From Rolling Prairie Cookbook, by Nancy O'Connor
[Carrie's notes are in brackets.]

1 cup fresh corn kernels, steamed [I didn't think steaming was necessary.  Two of the large, "Luscious" ears were enough for one cup].
1 cucumber, seeded and diced
2 green onions, finely chopped [I used onion chives from the herb garden, instead]
2 teaspoons sugar or honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 to 4 teaspoons finely copped cilantro
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon dried red chili flakes
1 small hot pepper, seeded and minced

Mix all ingredients.  Refrigerate for several hours to allow flavors to blend.
Serves 8 to 10 as a condiment. 

Don't forget to post a cucumber recipe you've enjoyed this week!

-Carrie

Comments

[Susannah]

A good salad for this time of year.

Tomatoes cut into 1/2 inch cubes
Cucumbers quartered & then sliced about 1/4 inch thick
green bell pepper cut into small cubes
sweet onion cut into small cubes
(proportations of these vegetables can vary by taste, but I use roughly 2 cups tomatoes, 1 1/2 C. cucumbers, 1/2 C. green pepper, 1/2 C. or less onion)

add:
3 TBS olive oil
1 TBS red wine or cider vinegar
1 TBS water
1/2 tsp salt (use a bit more if you use Kosher salt)
1/2 tsp sugar (more if you want it sweeter)
ground pepper
1/4 tsp. celery seed

mix well and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving (will last in refrigerator at least 2 days) Mix well again before serving.

[Pilou]

A very quick and refreshing cucumber recipe:

- cut one cucumber in small chunks,
- add 1 clove of garlic, chopped fine, and some fresh parsley to taste,
- mix in some plain yogurt to blend all ingredients.

You can add a bit of sour cream, some black pepper or crushed red pepper, or herbs. That's all!