407396 Sat Jun 02 08:45:48 -0700 2007 57 31 Home Cooking 0 2623051 I Love Cucumbers! Apparently a little too much as I currently have 15 cucumber plants growing in various gardens around my house. You never know how many seeds will take. Last year, with only two plants I was giving cucumbers away we had so many! They thrive here. Granted, I could take some plants out but I have a funny thing about killing plants on purpose so I'm kind of stuck with them. So I need some creative recipes that will use up my hordes of cucumbers. I often make cuke soup, dill salads, topping salmon...the usual things. What else can I do with massive numbers of cucumbers over the summer? Sat Jun 02 08:45:48 -0700 2007 65217 OrganicLife 1 2623063 I think I've heard of folks enjoying nut butters on 'em! Cucumbers taste like watermelon to me, so maybe you could borrow some watermelon ideas. Invent a cocktail! Last idea: make your neighbours happy, or replenish nearby food-banks. Sat Jun 02 08:51:23 -0700 2007 2623051 77729 bellywizard 1 2623070 There are lots of asian cucumber salad recipes: rice vinegar, sugar, toasted sesame seeds, salt, garlic. Sat Jun 02 08:56:25 -0700 2007 2623051 17714 alex8alot 1 2623073 Stuffed cucumber Kimchi. The contrast between cool & crisp/spicy hot is great. Sat Jun 02 08:57:34 -0700 2007 2623051 93805 hannaone 2 2623082 cut in half, then quarter the halves (so that the pieces are the size of old school fishtsicks, sprinkle with a light vinegar (champagne or white wine) and a little sel gris or fleur de sel--simple, refreshing, and addicitive. My mother used to set these out for us; they'de last seconds. Sat Jun 02 09:02:28 -0700 2007 2623073 101115 Nikiforos 1 2623083 You could make raita - yogurt/cucumbers/mint or dill. What about some kind of cucumber based "salsa"? And the cocktail idea is a great one - at the Bread Bar in NYC I had a great cocktail that had cucumbers in it - and cilantro as well. Incredibly refreshing - now I'm craving one! I looked it up: http://www.tablany.com/Wine%20and%20Cocktails.pdf - Kuchumber Kooler - has green chilies, cucumber, cilantro, and gin. Sat Jun 02 09:02:31 -0700 2007 2623051 10985 MMRuth 2 2623086 That reminds me--Pimms cocktails are great (aka Pimms cup). Sat Jun 02 09:04:38 -0700 2007 2623083 101115 Nikiforos 3 2623448 Eastern Standard in Boston serves a non-alcoholic cocktail with cucumber and cranberry juice, so refreshing! Sat Jun 02 12:13:18 -0700 2007 2623086 15759 ShakeNBake 2 2623467 Something that I've been playing with is a mojito with a few slices of cucumber in it. You have to give it a good shake to incorporate it into the drink, but it turns out beautifully. Sat Jun 02 12:19:55 -0700 2007 2623083 64045 negronilover 3 2704210 The Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, AZ serves cucumber mojitos at their spa bar and they are amazing!!!! I usually drink too many to remember the details but they cube the cucumber instead of slicing it, and they might even marinate the cukes in a simple syrup?? because they taste sweet, or maybe they just let them soak in the drink before serving. Thu Jun 28 14:31:23 -0700 2007 2623467 95577 yamalam 1 2623177 You lucky duck, ours won't be ready for ages yet. Sometimes we slice them up and pop them into a jar of pickle juice in the fridge. Almost instant pickles! We also like to eat them with nothing more than lots of fresh lime juice and salt, chilled. Addicting. Sat Jun 02 09:47:48 -0700 2007 2623051 56278 xena 1 2623184 Ya gotta make pickles! Lime pickles, bread and butter, dill...homemade pickles are suprisingly easy and they'd make great gifts year round! Or, I like mine sliced with some accompanying Vidalia onion, liberally sprinkled with salt and pepper and marinated for a while in my favorite vinegar. Deelish! Sat Jun 02 09:53:25 -0700 2007 2623051 49452 SweetPhyl 2 2624364 Yeah, pickles are the one thing that will use a LOT of your cukes, assuming you've planted a pickling variety. I've never pickled persian or other long varieties, wonder if their skins are too tough? I had the same problem a few summers ago, when my mother went kookoo for cukes, and planted six hills of three plants each, ay! We had pickles all winter and into the next spring, and that was giving with them away too. Sat Jun 02 18:48:12 -0700 2007 2623184 24126 amyzan 1 2623188 Cucumber salad with sour cream, onion, vinegar, sugar, s&p. Sat Jun 02 09:55:29 -0700 2007 2623051 56278 xena 1 2623365 Juice it with watermelon for a refreshing summer drink. Sat Jun 02 11:34:10 -0700 2007 2623051 39874 chowser 2 2624482 That sounds wonderful. Sat Jun 02 20:05:25 -0700 2007 2623365 10642 bryan 2 2630706 I went to a party recently and the hostess served a big pitcher of cold water with cucumber slices. It had the faintest cucumber taste and was really refreshing. I don't know how long the cucumbers had been in the water, but it made me want to drink more at home -- and perhaps garnish my iced tea with a little cucumber, too. Also, last night I made a version of Nigel Slater's Radish, Mint, and Feta salad, which has cucumber in it. It was quite good. Tue Jun 05 06:45:09 -0700 2007 2623365 29608 Neuromancer 1 2623379 Tzatzki sauce would be a nice thing to have around, I use it as a low fat alternative to mayo on sandwiches, or a salad dressing, etc. Sat Jun 02 11:41:33 -0700 2007 2623051 12752 MsDiPesto 2 2623704 I was going to suggest the same thing. Be sure to salt and drain your cucumbers a while. Great on lamburgers. Sat Jun 02 14:00:16 -0700 2007 2623379 44071 AbdulSheikhMohammed 2 2648647 Yes ... to make a meal with it, all you need is flatbread, grilled chicken, golden sultanas ... I also love a salad that was a Real Simple recipe--peel & halve the cucumber, scoop out the seeds with a melon baller. Slice, halve grape tomatoes, sprinkle with a little superfine sugar & let sit for 15 minutes or so to create its own dressing. Wonderful. Mon Jun 11 08:32:44 -0700 2007 2623379 19108 foiegras 1 2623474 Here's a recipe based on a soup in Julia Child's second book, MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH COOKING, VOLUME TWO. She thickened the soup with 4 tablespoons of quick-cooking cream of wheat. I added leeks and potatoes instead and pureed the soup with an immersion blender (which of course didn't exist when Julia wrote that book). Cucumber Soup “The only thing to say about this soup is that it is perfectly delicious; it is especially good cold, but then it is also especially good hot.” From Mastering II, p. 17. 1 1/2 lbs. cucumbers (3, about 8” long) 2 leeks, white and pale green parts only, washed, dried, and finely chopped 3 tablespoons butter 2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes 6 cups chicken stock 1 1/2 teaspoons wine vinegar 3/4 teaspoon dried tarragon salt and white pepper 1 cup sour cream or crème fraîche 1-2 tablespoons minced fresh dill, tarragon, or parsley Peel, halve, and seed the cucumbers with a teaspoon. Cut 18 very thin slices with a vegetable peeler or small sharp knife and reserve them in a bowl for garnishing. Cut the rest of the cucumbers into half-inch chunks. Cook the leeks slowly in the butter for several minutes until tender but not browned. Add the cucumber chunks, potatoes, chicken broth, vinegar, and herbs. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, partly covered, for 20-25 minutes. Purée with an immersion blender. Thin out with more broth if necessary; season carefully with salt and pepper. Just before serving, beat in 1/2 cup sour cream. Ladle into soup bowls, place a dollop of sour cream in each bowl, float slices of cucumber on top of the cream, and sprinkle with the herbs. Yield: 4-6 servings Sat Jun 02 12:24:03 -0700 2007 2623051 13568 Tom Steele 2 2623720 I've made a version of that - from The Way to Cook - I was amazed at how tasty warm cucumber soup could be. Oh - that reminds me - I've used a recipe from Jacques Pepin for cooked cucumbers - you first do a bit of complicated cutting up the cuke and forming the one inch pieces into little football shaped pieces, that you blanch, then sautee in butter, with just a little bit of salt and pepper. Lovely - usually serve with salmon. And, shredded cucumbers are great with spicy peanut sauce - as in cold sesame noodles, without the noodles. Sat Jun 02 14:06:07 -0700 2007 2623474 10985 MMRuth 1 2623483 Ceviche! Dice: cucumber, onion Add: cilantro (corriander to some), hot peppers and salt Throw in: fish or shrimp (raw) Squeeze: lots of lime juice Let it sit for a couple of hours until the fish meat turns white (cooked by the acid). Eat with chips or on fried tortillas like a tostada. Good stuff. Sat Jun 02 12:28:32 -0700 2007 2623051 88192 holy chow 1 2623691 When I make cold soba, I mix in a pile of grated cucumbers and eat the soba with soba dipping sauce, chopped scallions, and shredded dried seaweed. It's a super-refreshing light meal. I also make a really simple cucumber and tomato salad: chop up the cucumbers and tomatoes, and add lemon juice, sugar, and chopped dill. Cucumbers in sandwiches can really brighten things up, too. Sat Jun 02 13:57:34 -0700 2007 2623051 58361 soopling 1 2623773 You already have many good ideas here! Here are a few more: Greek salad is one of my favorite ways to eat cucumbers -- cube tomatoes, cucumbers, green bell pepper, red onion, feta cheese and dress with red wine vinegar, olive oil, a few leaves of fresh oregano and top with some kalamata olives. Another salad that is excellent is one of cucumber, hearts of palm, tomato, avocado, and green onion -- dress with seasoned rice wine vinegar, vegetable oil, salt, pepper and a little dill. Julia Child has a recipe in Mastering the Art of French Cooking Volume 1 for braised cucumbers -- I haven't made this recipe, but here's a write up from the Julie/Julia project: http://blogs.salon.com/0001399/2002/10/27.html Sat Jun 02 14:28:58 -0700 2007 2623051 11028 DanaB 1 2623947 My mother-in-law makes a delicious cucumber salad with sliced cucumbers, sliced onions, sour cream, and salt and pepper. I forget how much I love it until the summer birthday marathon begins. Sat Jun 02 15:38:43 -0700 2007 2623051 48876 mamaciita 1 2623963 Oh, yeah. There's this Louisville, KY-centric spread called Benedictine: 1 medium cucumber, seeds removed 1/2 white onion juice from 1/2 lemon 8-oz cream cheese (I use Neufchatel) 1/2 t salt 1 drop green food color Peel and seed cucumber. Grate cucumber into a colander, sprinkle with salt and set aside to drain 10-15 minutes. Grate onion and combine in mixing bowl with cream cheese and lemon juice. Squeeze liquid from cucumber and add cucumber to bowl. Mix well, taste and add additional salt if needed. Add food color, if desired. Great on bacon or smoked turkey sandwiches, or by itself on pita or warm baguette. Sat Jun 02 15:46:16 -0700 2007 2623051 48876 mamaciita 2 2635649 Wow, interesting. I grew up in KY (Lexington) and I don't think I ever came across this. Wed Jun 06 12:12:49 -0700 2007 2623963 64215 cimui 3 2648085 Isn't it funny how this happens? I grew up in Lexington, was there until 22 years of age, and I remember benedictine spread. I didn't much like it, probably because the versions I encountered had far more than a drop of green food coloring! The lurid color grossed me out, and I can't remember it tasting like much more than cream cheese. I remember it as being relatively smooth, so maybe people pureed the versions I had? I must admit I didn't give it a shot, probably only ate it a few times in those 22 years. Sun Jun 10 23:54:29 -0700 2007 2635649 24126 amyzan 1 2624049 As cucumbers are related to melons. they work really well together in summer salads... I like to cut cukes and cantelope in equal size dice (1/2 'x1/2') and toss with a little diced red bell pep, chiffonade of basil, evoo and a splash of either lemon juice or a light vinegar, s&p and off you go......great crunchy combo of sweet and savory... Sat Jun 02 16:26:26 -0700 2007 2623051 50037 jungleboy 1 2624098 Chilled Cucumber Avocado Soup---serves 2-3 3 peeled & seeded cucumbers 1-2 seeded avocados 1/4 cup sour cream chicken stock or vegetable stock to desired consistency sea salt fresh cracked pepper beurre all ingrendients, straing through a chinois for a velvety soup, chill before service Sat Jun 02 16:46:42 -0700 2007 2623051 102743 Draco9975 1 2624104 Cucumber Infused Vodka Slice as many cucmbers as you like or that will fit in a drink jug and cover with a top quality neutral vodka. Let steep at least 7 days in a cool dark place before drinking. Sat Jun 02 16:48:42 -0700 2007 2623051 102743 Draco9975 1 2624241 Stuffed cucumbers. You make them large (halved lengthwise, seeds scooped out) or bite-size (cut into 2-inch thick rounds, scoop out a hollow with a melon baller). They're good filled with anything, from salads to salsa or hummus. You could try this, too: http://frenchfood.about.com/od/vegetablessidedishes/r/cuke.htm?p=1 Sat Jun 02 17:56:52 -0700 2007 2623051 10681 piccola 2 2624258 Then there's the Hendrick's Gin Martini..... with a slice or 2 of cucumber. Cin cin. Sat Jun 02 18:05:02 -0700 2007 2624241 75332 Gio 2 2635886 After scooping out the 2" rounds, you can use them as sake cups, cups for granita (as an intermezzo or palate cleanser). Or fill with salmon tartar, ceviche, tiny shrimp salad, etc. Or slice into long thin slices and wrap around a handful of Cesared romaine leaves for a cool presentation. Wed Jun 06 12:58:00 -0700 2007 2624241 17220 Claudette 1 2624349 you can sautee julienne or tournedos of cucumber with carrots and serve in tarragon cream as a sauce for fish. I like to make a light and refreshing smoothie with ice, yogurt, honeydew, cucumber and white grapes. I also make a great sauce for lamb, based on tsatziki, with yogurt, dill, garlic and cucumber. Sat Jun 02 18:43:28 -0700 2007 2623051 22627 MaspethMaven 1 2624474 salsa for chips, grilled chicken, fish, pork or steak, for tacos or burritos! fine dice seeded cucumber, tomato, red bell pepper, granny smith apple, mango, habanero, vidalias and shoot with some lime, cilantro, salt and pepper....my oh my oh my! Sat Jun 02 20:02:04 -0700 2007 2623051 70200 chelleyd01 1 2624622 I went to a party last weekend and the hostess served cucumber lemonade. It was wonderful. I don't have the recipe but a google search turns up a bunch. Sat Jun 02 21:35:40 -0700 2007 2623051 18970 Val55 1 2624854 I always serve sliced cucumbers, as well as crackers, along side a dip at parties. Cuc slices go especially well with smoked salmon dip. P Sun Jun 03 04:47:11 -0700 2007 2623051 15687 PamelaD 1 2624978 cucumber, greek yogurt, salt and pepper , the bets ever dip ! yum yum have fun with your cucumbers ! Sun Jun 03 07:09:32 -0700 2007 2623051 90250 m_poochie 1 2625088 My mother has made cucumber salad every summer since I was a kid. Peel and slice very thinly cucumbers. Toss with very thinly halved and sliced red onion. Add Hellmans, cider vinegar, salt and pepper to make a thin dressing. Toss and allow to sit at least an hour before serving. We fight over this stuff! Sun Jun 03 08:12:14 -0700 2007 2623051 95489 mschow 2 2632761 If you have children, or just want to have a fun "theme" get together with friends, have a tea party and make dainty cucumber sandwiches (cream cheese spread over white bread with thinly sliced cucumbers on top sprinkled with dill). I have experimented with different presentation, like wrapping the bread with a long thin slice of cucumber then tying it with a chive (soaked in water to make it flexible). I second the water served with cucumber. I also throw in some lemons, oranges and mint to give it a citrusy, herbal touch. Tue Jun 05 15:34:12 -0700 2007 2625088 87968 cocktailqueen77 1 2632799 Cucumbers are really, really good cooked. I peel, seed, quarter, and cut in 1/4 inch pieces, toss those in flour, and saute in olive oil until crisp-tender. A few minutes before they are done, I stir in some minced lemon zest. When done cooking, I add salt and pepper and lemon juice to taste. Also, muddled cucumber is awesome in mojitos. Tue Jun 05 15:45:50 -0700 2007 2623051 75002 Megiac 1 2635605 How about cucumber pancakes? Variations: http://foodcourt.wordpress.com/2007/06/05/kakdi-thalipeeth-cucumber-pancake/ http://kitchen-parade-veggieventure.blogspot.com/2006/01/day-286-cucumber-pancakes.html http://food-forthought.blogspot.com/2006/01/right-start-taushe-dhodak.html Or cucumber sorbet: http://lisabertelsen.com/cookingonline/entre.html Or cold cucumber soup: http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_27900,00.html Wed Jun 06 12:05:35 -0700 2007 2623051 64215 cimui 1 2635784 I know you already said dill salads, but I really love this recipe for Cucumber, Mustard,and Dill Salad: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/recipe_views/views/230740 and I'll second the idea to just stick them (cut up) into old jars of pickle juice. As a child, these were my favorite (gentle) dill pickles after just a couple days in the fridge. Wed Jun 06 12:39:41 -0700 2007 2623051 49465 amyamelia 1 2648087 You could make a "raita" with plain Greek yogurt, fine diced cucumber (mandoline helps!), lemon juice, mint, and S&P to taste, chill before eating tastes best. You could infuse water with "cukes" to make a refreshing beverage. You could make a Thai shrimp-mango salad loaded with julienne cucumber. You could make a chilled gazpatcho based on cucumber. Sun Jun 10 23:59:18 -0700 2007 2623051 69992 CABEEF1 1 2648121 Lots of cukes? You could try sun dills when your weather is hot and sunny. You need a stone crock or other non-reactive container: its size will detrmine the number of cukes you use. Add water to just over two-thirds full and then add enough non-iodized salt to float an egg. Add a slice of bread. Wash each cuke and trim the tips off. Slice horizontally along two thirds of the length and then slice from the other end at right angles to the first cut, again about two thirds of the length. Add the cukes to the crock along with a full stem of fresh dill. Weight down with a plate and then seal with a plastic garbage bag filled with water. Let stand in the sun for three days. Check daily as a scum will form on the top as the pickles ferment. This should be removed daily. At the end of three days the pickles are ready to eat. They're best stored in your frikdge in a large container in some of their brine along with the stalk of dill. Mon Jun 11 01:34:26 -0700 2007 2623051 55318 DockPotato 1 2648610 My friend got me into this. i'm just trying it now and its great! Cut cucumbers in half then cut those in half lenghtways too. Then put a little chilli powder and a pinch of salt and there you have it! a simple but delicious snack made in seconds! i'm only 11 but i love cooking! i can even make my own lasagna! Mon Jun 11 08:18:45 -0700 2007 2623051 104508 shina100 1 2648857 I don't know if this recipe is any good but I once had cucumbers with garlic in a Chinese restaurant and they were delicious. http://www.china.org.cn/english/food/29437.htm. This recipe also sounded good. http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/database/garlicchickenwithcuc_66272.shtml. Mon Jun 11 09:33:08 -0700 2007 2623051 13599 Ellen 1 2650574 There are some good cuke chutneys, esp. with onions and apples. I've made this one twice and everyone loves it. (I can't find my recipe in my messy box but this is almost exactly it. http://www.allotment.org.uk/val_recipes/Cucumber_and_Apple_Chutney.php Mon Jun 11 17:20:39 -0700 2007 2623051 93465 PhoebeB 1 2650821 Halve cukes lengthwise, scoop out seeds, peel them. I make a filling with pork and shrimp - like an asian dumpling filling - fill cukes and steam - sere with a spicy sauce. Mon Jun 11 19:05:06 -0700 2007 2623051 13429 chowmel 2 2650863 I like to hollow them out and stuff them too- though it's usually cold fillings and served chilled. I like to make tuna salad with fresh oregano, mayo, a little crumbled feta and chopped kalamata olives and use that filling to stuff the hollowed-out halves. Another nice filling is smoked salmon dip,as mentioned before. My version has neufchatel, tiny bit on onion juice, lemon juice, chopped dill, dained rinsed capers and good chopped nova salmon, mixed together and allowed to mellow for an hour or two. It goes great with cucumber :). Mon Jun 11 19:19:47 -0700 2007 2650821 67581 4Snisl 3 2772695 I like to hollow them out and stuff them with tuna/salmon/crab salad as well. I don't overstuff them (actually stuff them level) so my other half can have an easy to eat snack at work. No utensils needed and can be eaten with one hand! Sun Jul 22 12:36:20 -0700 2007 2650863 32885 delk 1 2651455 When all else fails - or I'm feeling lazy... I toast some good bread, spread with a nice spicy mustard and top with thinly sliced cuke. Top with munster or your favorite swiss cheese and broil until toasty. It's a nice snack in a pinch when there's not very much in the fridge. Also, gazpacho - green or red. For the red, I cheat sometimes, and blend tatziki with a little organic tomato juice and some roasted red peppers, a little garlic, a slice or two of onion and a little more seasoning than you would you would normally use - chilling the soup seems to dull some of the flavors. And for the green, I add plenty of green herbs and green grapes and a little apple juice. I live on these soups when it gets really hot here. Let us know how it goes please. Tue Jun 12 01:00:46 -0700 2007 2623051 10642 bryan 1 2704225 Found it! The Cucumber Mojito: http://www.cocktailatlas.com/L2Signature/Camelback_Inn_Cucumber/Camelback_Inn_Cucumber.htm Thu Jun 28 14:34:16 -0700 2007 2623051 95577 yamalam 1 2772519 Here's a few more ideas which has some hot cucumber recipe ideas http://www.chowhound.com/topics/423569 Most of the recipes on this site were appalling (cucumber bisque), but here were a few interesting ideas: http://cucumber-recipes.epicurean.com/asc_results.jsp?title=Cucumber - Cucumber, Fennel, Orange Salad with Pomegranate - Horseradish Cream Cheese-Stuffed Cucumbers - CUCUMBER, POTATO AND DILL SALAD - Tossed cucumber salad (Chinese) Lots of cucumber sandwich recipes that are mostly repetative. However a few interesting ones added - orange zest & fresh mint - horseradish (garnished with herbs of flowers) - use flavored cream cheese like strawberry Of course, fooddownunder.com has over 1000 recipes http://fooddownunder.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=cucumber - Candied pickled cucumbers? (involves red hots and a bottle of red food coloring) - Cold and Hot Cucumber Canapes (involes smoked oysters & New Mexican chili) - Crab Stuffed Cucumbers (involves pickled ginger, cilantro and jalepenos) - Cucumber and Bread Salad (involves bolillos, cilantro, panela cheese) - Cucumbers and Radish Salad with Lime Yogurt (uses plain yogurt with lime juice) - Fennel, Cucumber, Tomato, Almond and Orange Salad - Freezer Cucumber Pickles - Open-Faced Bacon and Cucumber-Salad Sandwiches - Orange Cucumber Salad (involves yogurt, honey and mint) OK, I found this really interesting ... fun with food ... Foamy Cucumbers http://fooddownunder.com/cgi-bin/recipe.cgi?r=103642 Sun Jul 22 11:04:48 -0700 2007 2623051 10264 rworange 1 2772746 A simple favorite we enjoy - slice them thin, add sweet onions tinly sliced (red or otherwise) and make a vinagrette of vegetable oil (I use unrefined corn oil, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, salt, pepper and sugar and dill (I use 2 pkts of Splenda) Let them marinade 2 hrs serve chiiled and voila! Sun Jul 22 13:11:49 -0700 2007 2623051 42727 swarttav 1 2773283 Cukes cut lengthwise, seeded are a nice substitute for bread while preparing chicken or tuna salad, lobster salad, etc. Sun Jul 22 17:34:24 -0700 2007 2623051 36312 HillJ