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Showing posts with the label Cucumber

Cucumber and Radish Appetizers ~ Two Ways

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This passed weekend was our Annual Adult Easter Egg Hunt Party, and the food was always a hit. We did an informal hamburger and hot dog spread, but had a little of the fancy-shmancy stuff too. There was potato salad, slaw and deviled eggs to name a few of the sides, but the appetizers were a hit. Here are the recipes for the Cucumber ~ Radish Bites. Herbed Cream Cheese Cucumber and Radish Appetizers (on the long tray) 4 oz cream cheese, softened 2 tablespoons mayonaise 1/2 teaspoon dill weed 2 teaspoons ranch dressing mix 1/2 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest 1/8 teaspoon table salt Pinch of cayenne, or to taste 1-2 medium pickling cucumber 3 medium radishes 1 teaspoons minced fresh basil and Kosher salt for sprinkling Stir together cream cheese, herbs, zest, lemon juice, table salt, and cayenne. Slice 32 (1/8-inch-thick) rounds from cucumber with a mandolin. Trim bottoms from radishes, then slice into 32 (1/16-inch-thick) rounds with a mandolin. Top each cucumber slice with 1/2 ...

SANDRA�S SUMMER CUCUMBER-ONION-RED BELL PEPPER SALAD

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A wonderful refreshing, light and healthy summertime salad that�s a great accompaniment to any barbecue or main dish...   Servings: (4) Prep: 10 Mins. INGREDIENTS 1 cucumber, peeled, cut in quarters lengthwise, then into �� chunks � small yellow onion, thinly sliced � red bell pepper, cut into �� pieces � teaspoon freshly chopped oregano (or 1/8 teaspoon dried) 1 teaspoon freshly chopped sweet basil (or � teaspoon dried) 1 tablespon red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste METHOD Add all ingredients to a small glass/ceramic (non-reactive) bowl, and toss to combine.  Refrigerate for 15 minutes prior to serving to allow flavors to meld.  Toss a final time, and serve. ~ Enjoy! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tip:  I made this salad with what I had on hand today, although feel free to also include fresh tomato wedges and kalamata olives if you wish, just increase the amount of red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and herbs,...

Salad Decoration (FIC - Red & Green)

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No prize for guessing.......I think the first thing that comes to mind while preparing salads is a red & green combination of tomatoes & cucumber with the addition of slices of carrots, onions, radish etc..... I love to decorate salads, each time in a unique way....I think I got this fever after participating in the various salad decoration competitions during my school days (our house even won the first position). Simple to prepare also. Wash and peel the cucumber. Wash and cut the tomatoes into roundels. Make thin onion slices. (You can put other vegetales like carrots, beet, radish, capsicum to make it a wholesome salad). Slit green chilli lengthwise (You can keep them whole as well). Cut long strips of ginger. Arrange in a serving plate. Sprinkle juice of 1 lemon. Sprinkle salt & pepper and serve. Tips: Sprinkle salt only during serving time otherwise the ingredients will become soggy and water will come out from the cucumbers. If you are using carrot & beet, steam ...

Tzaziki

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Ever heard of tzaziki? Came across the recipe in my mom-in-law?s Continental cookbook. Tzaziki is a traditional Greek condiment / sauce made with either plain yogurt or sour cream served with plain or toasted pita bread, salads and other Mediterranean specialties. At its best, tzaziki is a thick, tangy sauce with a little bit of spiciness. This dish is a wonderful summer treat. The main ingredients being yogurt & cucumber with addition of chopped garlic and salt & pepper. The best tzaziki takes a few hours to prepare, so be sure that you have plenty of time. Ingredients: 2 cucumbers 400 gms / 2 cups yogurt 2 tsp olive oil 1 garlic clove, skinned & finely chopped 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped 1 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped 1 tsp salt (to taste) ? tsp freshly ground pepper (to taste) 1 tsp lemon juice diced & round slices of cucumbers, for garnishing lemon wedges, for garnishing Procedure: Pour yogurt in a cheesecloth-lined colander / strainer (to drain the ex...

Mint, Cucumber & Yogurt Raita

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I generally prepare cucumber & yogurt raita as it is liked by the family members. As tonight I am having a mint based menu, just added a few chopped mint leaves in the curd mixture to form a mint, cucumber & yogurt raita. Ingredients: 2 cups sour curd 1 small cucumber, grated ? cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped 3-4 cloves garlic, peeled and finely minced 1 tsp powdered sugar 1 tsp salt ? tsp red chilli powder (optional) 1 tsp roasted cumin seed / jeera powder a pinch rock salt, for garnishing Procedure: Wash, peel and grate the cucumber and place the grated cucumber on a strainer to drain the excess water. Strain the curd in a clean & thin / muslin cloth to squeeze out the water and collect the curd in a mixing bowl. Add the grated cucumber (press to ensure that there is no excess water, chopped garlic & mint leaves and mix well. Add salt, powdered sugar, red chilli powder and mix well (Add ? cup water, if required). Refrigerate for 4-6 hours. Sprinkle rock salt ...