Dilled Cucumber Aspic Food

DILL PICKLED CUCUMBERS

Steps:

• Cut the pickling or ridged cucumbers into sticks or slices. Layer with the coarse crystal sea salt in a large bowl, cover and leave overnight. Drain away the brine, then rinse.
• To make the pickling vinegar, put the whole spices in a medium saucepan. Toast over a low heat until they begin to smell aromatic. Add the dried chilli flakes last, as these can easily catch. Add the bay, pour in all of the vinegar and sugar, let it dissolve, and bring to a simmer. Add the dill sprigs.
• Pack the cucumber into jars, pour over the hot vinegar and seal. Ready to eat in 2 weeks, or longer, if you like.

DILLED CUCUMBER ASPIC

Steps:

• Combine the cucumber, green pepper, scallions, dill and garlic in a food processor and process until nearly a puree. A little texture is welcome. Stir in the vinegar.
• Soften the gelatin in one-quarter cup of the water in a metal measuring cup, place the cup in a pan of simmering water and cook gently until the gelatin has dissolved. Heat the remaining water in a saucepan, add the dissolved gelatin and cook just until the gelatin has dissolved in the water.
• Stir the gelatin mixture into the cucumber mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a two-cup mold or bowl or to individual half-cup molds, refrigerate and chill until set.

DILLED CUCUMBER SLICES

Steps:

• Cut cucumbers in half lengthwise. Scoop out seeds.
• Cut cucumber halves into thin slices.
• In a large bowl combine sour cream, mayo, onion, dill, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Mix well.
• Add cucumber slices to bowl and toss to coat.
• Cover with plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve. (I think they are better served extra cold).

PICKLED CUCUMBERS WITH DILL & SPICE

Steps:

• Wash the cucumbers, split along their length and scoop out the seeds. Cut each half into finger-length chunks, then cut into 5mm strips. Mix with the onion and salt in a large bowl, cover and leave to soak overnight.
• Next day, drain the juices, rinse the vegetables in cold water and drain well. Put the vinegar, sugar and spices into a very large saucepan and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved. Simmer for 5 mins to let the flavours infuse.
• Add the vegetables and bring the pan to a rolling boil over a high heat, stirring now and again. Boil for 1 min, then remove pan from the heat. Tear in the dill, then pack into sterilised jars (see above right), making sure that no air bubbles are trapped. Store in a cool, dark place until ready to use.

CUCUMBER SLICES WITH DILL

Steps:

• In a large serving bowl, combine cucumbers, onions and dill. In a medium size bowl combine sugar, vinegar, water and salt; stir until the sugar dissolves. Pour the liquid mixture over the cucumber mixture. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving (the longer this dish marinates the tastier it is!).

DILLED CUCUMBER SOUP

Steps:

• Peel cucumbers.
• Cut several thin slices and put in ice water.
• Save these slices for garnish.
• Chop remaining cucumbers.
• Sauté cucumbers and onion in butter over medium heat until wilted, but not browned.
• Pour into blender and pulse until finely chopped, almost liquid.
• Return to saucepan; add chicken stock, lemon juice, dill weed and salt.
• Simmer about 5 minutes to blend flavors.
• Remove from heat; cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
• Just before serving, stir in sour cream.
• If desired, add 1 to 2 drops of green food coloring.
• Garnish each serving with a cucumber slice and fresh dill weed.

SWEET AND SOUR DILLED CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• Peel and finely slice cucumbers into wafer-thin circles. Place in a large bowl.
• In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, vinegar and salt. Pour over cucumbers, and turn them well to mix. Add dill, mix again and adjust salt to taste. Spread in a shallow serving dish. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until chilled, up to 4 hours.