Cukes Food

CRISP MARINATED CUKES

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine the first four ingredients; mix well. Stir in the cucumbers and onions. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

CREAMY CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• Put a large colander in a large bowl. Add the cucumbers and onions to the colander, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon salt and toss until the salt is evenly distributed. Let stand at room temperature for at least 1 hour and up to 2 hours.
• Transfer the cucumbers and onions from the colander to a paper towel-lined baking sheet and pat them dry with another layer of paper towels.
• Whisk together the sour cream, dill, vinegar and a few cracks of black pepper in a medium bowl. Add the cucumbers and onions and toss until coated.
• To make ahead: Salt and pat dry the cucumbers and onions as above, then keep separate from the dressing until ready to serve.

REFRIGERATOR PICKLES: CAULIFLOWER, CARROTS, CUKES, YOU NAME IT

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil, reduce the heat so the water simmers and add the garlic. Cook for 5 minutes. Add the vinegar and salt, raise the heat and bring to a boil, stirring until the salt dissolves. Remove from the heat.
• In 2 clear 1-quart jars, place a few sprigs of dill. Divide the seeds and peppercorns between the jars. Using tongs, remove the garlic from the brine and place 5 cloves in each jar. Then pack the jars full of cucumbers, carrots, scallions or green beans, cauliflower and chiles. You want them to be tightly stuffed.
• Bring the brine back to a boil, pour it over the vegetables to cover completely, let cool, then cover and refrigerate. The pickles will taste good in just a few hours, better after a couple of days. And they'll keep for about 3 months.

HOW TO PICKLE CUCUMBERS (QUICK METHOD)

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, garlic, water, salt, and honey if using.
• Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes, whisking occasionally.
• While waiting for the brine to cook, place the dill in the bottom of a quart-size jar.
• Add a few layers of cucumber slices. The cucumbers can be sliced as thick or as thin as desired, but the thinner they are the faster they'll pickle.
• Add a layer of onions (if using), then more cucumber slices, repeating until the jar is nearly full. Leave about ½ inch of head space at the top of the jar.
• Pour the brine over the pickles, put the lid on, and place it in the fridge. If you don't have enough liquid to cover the pickles, then add some more vinegar and water in equal amounts until you do.
• Wait at least 12 hours before eating the pickles (the longer you wait the more flavorful!).
• Tip: Since these are going to be kept in the fridge, a canning jar isn't necessary. Whatever heat safe lidded glass jar you have on hand that's big enough will work.

CUKES AND ONIONS

Steps:

• Wash and peel cukes; slice into bowl big enough for all ingredients.
• Peel onion and slice thinly into bowl with cukes.
• Mix vinegar and water with sugar.
• Pour over cucumber and onions.
• Put lid on bowl or cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• Serve cold.

CUKES

Steps:

• Cut the cucumbers down the middle, lengthwise, peel and remove the seeds.
• Rub the cucumbers with lime juice, and salt and pepper.
• Cut the red pepper down the middle, remove the seeds, and dice into small pieces.
• Combine the cream cheese and cream together with the remaining ingredients and mix well.
• Fill the cucumbers with this lovely mixer and refrigerate for (at least!) 2 hours.