Friday, July 06, 2012

Cool As A Cucumber

We celebrated 4th of July at my brother's house this year. They provided the hot dogs and hamburgers, everyone else was asked to bring a side dish or desert. There were a lot of people, tons of kids (I counted 18 in the pool at one point - needless to say, I did not swim), and enough food to feed a small village.

Someone brought cheesecake and hand-dipped chocolate covered strawberries that were to die for (I think I ate at least five of those), and my nephew baked some awesome chocolate chip cookies.  And although there were some really good side dishes, one of my favorites is my mother's onion cucumber salad.
It's cold and refreshing, sweet and tart, crispy and deeelicious. Complements any kind of BBQ item, and it's the perfect dish to bring if you're requested to contribute. It's quick and easy to make.

Here's how to do it...

Onion Cucumber Salad

THE INGREDIENTS
3 large cucumbers
1 large onion
½ cup white vinegar
1 cup sugar (or 12 packets Splenda)
1 tsp. celery seed
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper

THE PROCESS
1. Peel skin from cucumbers, leaving a small strip of skin along the length of each cucumber (see photo). This helps to give the cucumber a little more body in the salad. You can peel them completely if you want, but know that it’ll be a little mushier. If you want to leave the skins on, it’ll be a little tougher. Do it whichever way you prefer.

2. Slice cucumbers on a mandolin or, if using a knife, in very thin slices. For the onion, cut it in half and also slice on the mandolin or in thin slices. Put cucumber slices and onions in a glass bowl. (I prefer glass or plastic, I don’t use stainless steel or any kind of metal for this recipe.)

3. In a separate bowl, combine the white vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt and pepper. Stir or whisk.

4. Pour mixture over the cucumbers and onions, toss all ingredients together and put in fridge. It should marinate at least 8 hours or overnight.

5. Enjoy!

If you want to make it yourself, click HERE for the recipe.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2011:
I Think We Have A Winner
2010: Progressively Yours,
2009: Spill It
2008: I’ve NEVER Colored Inside The Lines. Why The Surprise?
2007: I Didn’t Make It, But I Ate It
2006: Sorry, no post for this day.
2005:
Slim Or None? I’ll Take None.

2 comments:

BudiBali said...

I've seen our DewaRuci Ship in VOA anchoring at one of State harbor to celebrat 4 of july...this morning...

What a kind people wellcome Indonesian there...

Belledog said...

Making that cucumber salad this morning, with the one cucumber we have.

Serving it with salmon steaks and corn on the cob tonight.

Housesitting the World's Cutest Dog (TM).

Honestly. Will send you pictures.

This dog high fives too. (For her owners. Not sure I've got her trick down yet.)

Happy holiday weekend to all.