Creamy Minty Cucumbers Food

MINT CUCUMBER SOUP

Steps:

• Peel and cut 1 1/2 of the cucumbers into large chunks (set the remaining unpeeled 1/2 cucumber aside).
• Combine the cucumber chunks in a food processor with the yogurt, sour cream, olive oil, mint, salt, garlic and plenty of white pepper. Pulse, scraping down the sides, until completely smooth.
• Ladle the mixture into cold bowls or refrigerate until serving. Chop the remaining cucumber into fine dice and divide among the bowls. Swirl some sour cream into each bowl, drizzle with a bit of olive oil and scatter with mint and almonds.

CREAMED CUCUMBER SLICES

Steps:

• In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, milk, sugar, and vinegar until smooth. Place cucumber slices in the bowl, and toss to coat with the dressing. Season with salt and pepper. Chill 30 minutes in the refrigerator before serving.

CUCUMBER MINT TEA SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Place cucumber slices between layers of paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• In a small bowl, combine the mint, butter, and cream cheese; spread on one side of each slice of bread. Lay the cucumber slices onto the buttered side of 8 slices of bread. Sprinkle with salt. Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side down.
• Gently cut the crusts from each sandwich with a sharp knife. Cut the sandwiches in half diagonally and then cut in half again.
• Makes 8 whole sandwiches, or 16 halves, or 32 fourths.

CUCUMBERS WITH CREAM AND MINT

Steps:

• Peel and slice: 2 cucumbers.
• If the seeds are large and tough, cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon before slicing. Place in a medium-size bowl and sprinkle with: Salt.
• In another bowl, combine: 1/4 cup heavy cream, 3 tablespoons olive oil, Juice of 1/2 lemon, Fresh-ground black pepper.
• Stir well. If water has accumulated with the cucumbers, drain it off. Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers and combine. Coarsely chop: 3 mint sprigs, leaves only and toss with the cucumbers. Taste and adjust the salt as needed. Serve cool.
• Variations
• Add pounded garlic to the dressing.
• Serve alongside sliced beets dressed with oil and vinegar.
• Grate or dice the cucumbers and serve as a sauce over baked salmon.
• Parsley, chervil, basil, or cilantro can be substituted for the mint.
• Substitute plain yogurt for the cream.
• Add spices such as cumin, coriander, or mustard seeds to the dressing.

CUCUMBER MINT TEA SANDWICHES

Steps:

• In a small bowl combine the mint, the butter, and the cream cheese and stir the mixture until it is combined well. Spread the bread slices with the butter mixture, top 3 of them with the cucumber, distributing the cucumber evenly and seasoning it with salt, and top the cucumber with the remaining bread slices. Cut off and discard the crusts and cut each sandwich diagonally into quarters.