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I Wish I Could Give You a Cucumber

8/13/2012

5 Comments

 
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     Last year I planted cucumbers in my vegetable garden for the first time.  I put in three plants which produced more cucumbers than were humanly possible to eat.  I thought I was playing it safe by planting two this past spring.  Next year -- I'll only be putting one in my garden.
       I wonder if my neighbors know that it's me dropping the bags of cucumbers at their door, knocking, and running away as fast as I can!

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      So now I'm always on the lookout for something...  anything delicious to make with a cucumber.  My neighbor pulled this Cucumber, Tomato, and Pineapple Salad with Asian Dressing out of her refrigerator the other night when I stopped by and gave me a sample.  I loved it!  Cool, refreshing, healthy, and a fantastic way to not only use up cucumbers, but also tomatoes, jalapeños, and mint from my garden.
      I see this as a great side dish to grilled meats and fish.  Tonight I served this salad alongside baked Salmon Croquettes; a family favorite.

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 Cucumber, Tomato, and Pineapple Salad with Asian Dressing
                      adapted from a recipe by Alexis Touchet

• 1 large garlic clove
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
• 1 jalapeño chile, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon Asian Fish Sauce
• 1 small cucumber, halved, seeds removed, then thinly sliced crosswise
• 2 cups fresh or canned pineapple, 1/2-inch dice
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped mint
• 2 medium tomatoes (1 pound total), cut into chunks
1.  Mince the garlic, combine with the salt and using the blade of a knife on a flat surface, mash into a paste.  Set aside.
2.  In a large bowl, combine the lime juice and the sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves.  Add the oil, jalapeño, fish sauce, and the reserved garlic paste.
3.  Gently stir in the remaining ingredients.  Chill until ready to serve.




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5 Comments
Kate
8/13/2012 03:03:24 am

Our weather has turned a tad cooler and rainy. The baked salmon croquettes coupled with this unusual use of garden fresh produce sounds like a match made in heaven for tonight's dinner ;)
I made the savory corn and tomato clafoutis from Stacey Snacks after reading your post. I added some hot pepper heat to the egg mixture and my husband loved it.
Thanks for inspiration.
Cheers

Reply
Eileen
8/13/2012 03:32:13 am

Kate -
The hot pepper sounds like a great addition to the clafoutis. My family would love that.

Reply
Jessie Kolb
8/19/2012 12:52:54 am

I would gladly take your cucumbers! My little apartment has no room for cucumber plants--maybe next year! Good thing the Minneapolis Farmer's market has all of these things! I will have to try it!

Reply
Eileen
8/19/2012 01:22:12 am

Hi Jessie -- come over any time for a cucumber! I also have beautiful red cabbage right now if you want one.

Reply
Jessie
9/8/2012 10:51:21 pm

Just saw this now! If you still have oodles of extra produce, I will gladly help you out! I have the next two weeks off, and my first 2 pies are already in the oven!




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