Cool as a Cucumber

Cucumber and dill dip served with veggies. (Elena Elisseeva/Photos.com)

Cucumbers! So cool and refreshing. But what can you do with all of those cucumbers now that harvest time has arrived? Put your fresh cucumbers to work with these great recipes.

Marinate cucumber, olives, and mushrooms in dressing for several hours; drain. Arrange marinated vegetables on platter with cherry peppers and cheese strips.

Combine the couscous, scallions, cucumber, tomato, grapes, and mozzarella in a bowl. 

Whisk together the oil, vinegar, curry powder, salt, and pepper, and pour over the couscous mixture. Toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with slivered almonds and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Peel, seed, and finely dice the cucumber. Using a colander, squeeze out any excess water from the cucumber chunks. [/etInfoTable]

Place in a bowl and blend with the pepper and dill. Blend in the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Cover and chill.

Dipper suggestions: broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, carrots, onion crackers

Sauté onion in hot oil 5 minutes over medium heat. Add cucumber and cook 5 minutes more. Add broth, lemon juice, and sugar. Boil. Reduce heat and cover and cook for 20 minutes. 

Cool for a few minutes. Purée in a blender. Add half-and-half, salt, and pepper to taste. 

Combine sauce ingredients and refrigerate. Heat water to boiling in large skillet (10- to 12-inch). Add bouillon, dissolve. Add remaining ingredients, except salmon, bring to a boil. Turn heat to medium-low and simmer 5 minutes. 

Creamy, cool cucumber soup with a hint of lemon juice. (SMarina/Photos.com)

Add salmon, cover and simmer 6–8 minutes or until fish is cooked through. Lift fish out, drain, and place on serving plates. Lift onions out, drain, and lay over fish. Serve immediately with chilled cucumber sauce. 

Amanda Formaro is the owner of FamilyCorner.com magazine at http://familycorner.com. For more recipes visit: Momsmenu.com