Aquavits Quick Pickled Cucumbers Food

AQUAVIT'S QUICK PICKLED CUCUMBERS

Steps:

• Slice the cucumbers as thin as possible, using a mandoline if you have one.
• If you only have regular cucumbers, slice them in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds before slicing.
• Put the slices in a colander and toss them with the salt.
• Let the cucumber sit while you prepare the marinade (or for up to about 30 minutes.
• Combine water, vinegar, sugar, bay leaf and allspice in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
• Remove from heat and let cool.
• Rinse the salt off the cucumber slices and squeeze out as much moisture as possible, using paper towels to blot them dry.
• Put the cucumbers in a medium bowl and add the marinade (the cucumber should be completely covered).
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate 3 to 6 hours before serving.

QUICK PICKLED CUCUMBERS

Steps:

• Stir all of the ingredients together in a medium serving bowl. Serve immediately or let it marinate in refrigerator until ready to serve.

QUICK PICKLED SWEET CUCUMBERS

Steps:

• Add the cucumber slices and chile slices to a medium bowl and toss to combine.
• In a medium saucepan, add the vinegar, sugar, 1/2 water and salt. Heat gently, stirring, just until the sugar and salt dissolve. Pour over the cucumbers and chiles in the bowl. Set aside to marinate at least 15 minutes before serving.

QUICK PICKLED CUCUMBERS

Steps:

• Toss the cucumber ribbons with the salt in a colander. Leave for 15 mins then squeeze out any excess moisture with your hands and pat the ribbons dry with a tea towel.
• Mix the other ingredients together in a small bowl then stir in the cucumber.

AQUAVIT'S SWEDISH MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Prepare the Meatballs.
• Combine the bread crumbs and 1/4 cup cream in a small bowl, stirring until all the crumbs are moistened.
• Set aside.
• Heat the oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
• Add the onion and saute for for about five minutes, until softened.
• Remove from heat.
• In a large bowl, combine ground beef, veal and pork, onion, honey and egg, and mix well with your hands (remember Julia--your impeccably clean hands).
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the bread crumb/cream mixture and mix well.
• With wet hands (to keep mixture from sticking) shape the mixture into meatballs the size of golfballs, placing them on a plate slightly moistened with water.
• You should have about 24 meatballs.
• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the meatballs, in batches if necessary, and cook, turning frequently, for about seven minutes, until the meatballs are browned on all sides and cooked through.
• Transfer the meatballs to a plate and keep warm.
• Discard all but one tablespoon of fat from the skillet.
• Prepare the Sauce.
• Return the skillet to the heat.
• Whisk in the stock, 1/2 cup of cream, preserves and pickle juice, and bring to a simmer.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Add the meatballs to the sauce, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for about five minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and the meatballs are heated through.
• Serve hot with garlic mashed potatoes, lingonberry preserves and pickled cucumbers.