Cucumbers With Tapenade Mousse Food

STUFFED CUCUMBERS

Steps:

• Cut cucumber in half lengthwise. Scoop out seeds and pulp, leaving a 1/4-in. shell. Place seeds and pulp in a colander. Sprinkle with salt; drain for 30 minutes. , Meanwhile, combine the cream cheese, green pepper, onion, Worcestershire sauce and pepper; mix well. Stir in 2-3 tablespoons drained pulp. Spoon into cucumber shells; sprinkle with paprika. Refrigerate until serving. Serve with French dressing if desired.

CUCUMBER TAPENADE CANAPES

Steps:

• In the center of each cucumber slice put 1/2 teaspoon of the tapenade, drape 2 of the pepper strips in an X over it, and garnish each canapé with a parsley leaf. The canapés may be made 30 minutes in advance and kept covered and chilled.

GRILLED CUCUMBERS WITH TOMATO-CARDAMOM DRESSING AND MOZZARELLA

Steps:

• Start with the dressing: Add the tomatoes, oil, garlic, miso, bay leaves, cardamom shells and seeds, paprika and a heaping ¼ teaspoon salt to a large (lidded) sauté pan. Place over medium-high heat, give everything a good stir and leave it, uncovered, until it starts to bubble gently.
• Once bubbling, turn the heat down to medium-low, cover with the lid and cook gently for 15 minutes, stirring once, until the tomatoes have burst and start to release their juices. Turn down the heat if necessary; you want the garlic to soften without taking on color, and you want the tomatoes to not completely disintegrate. Stir in the lime juice and set aside.
• Heat a grill pan over high, and ventilate your kitchen well.
• Halve the cucumbers lengthwise then use a small spoon to scrape out and discard the seeds. Slice each halved cucumber lengthwise into 2 equal pieces, then transfer the cucumber quarters to a bowl and toss with the oil, ½ teaspoon salt and a good grind of pepper. When the grill pan is very hot, grill them in batches, cut sides down, for 2 to 3 minutes, then flip them over and grill for 1 to 2 minutes more. You want nice grill marks and for the cucumbers to soften but still retain a bite. (You don't want any floppy cucumbers.) As they're ready, immediately transfer to the tomato pan, stirring to coat in the dressing.
• Once they're all grilled, stir the cilantro into the pan and transfer the mixture to a large serving platter with a lip. Sprinkle on the torn mozzarella, along with a good pinch of salt, and tuck the cheese under the cucumbers in places. You can serve this dish hot or at room temperature.

MARINATED CUCUMBERS AND TOMATOES

Steps:

• Peel and slice cucumbers. Slice tomatoes in one-half. Add red onion, if using.
• Place in a medium size bowl and sprinkle with sugar and salt.
• Add salad dressing and mix.
• Marinate for at least one hour to let flavors blend. Sprinkle with chopped basil and serve. (Preparation time includes marinate time.).
• Enjoy!