ASIAN CUCUMBER SALAD

You should really "sweat" your cukes before using them for this salad. What does that mean? Peel them first. Then slice in half. Take a spoon and scoop out the cucumber seeds. Lay cukes on paper towels and salt them. The salt will cause the excess water in the cucumbers to "sweat' out. Turn them over after about a half hour and salt the other sides. Allow them to sit for another half hour. You may need to change the paper towels occasionally.

3/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 large cucumbers, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

Stir together first 6 ingredients in a large bowl. Add cucumbers, tossing to coat. Cover and chill 1 hour. Add sesame seeds, and toss; serve immediately.

Having problems finding sesame seeds or sesame oil? Check out the sesame seeds and oil below.

GOOD EATS REVISITED - CHIMICHURRI MEATBALLS

I have been dreaming of chimichurri meatballs. For the past 2 weeks, I have tried to make them, but each time I'd try, I 'd realize that I was missing an important ingredient. The first time it was the pork, then the feta, then the green onions. I finally got my act and groceries together.

Chimchurri sauce originated in Argentina as a marinade and basting sauce. The prime ingredient is parsley, although many recipes call for cilantro. While there are many commercial brands of chimichurri sauce out there,  nothing tops a sauce made from fresh herbs and other fresh ingredients. It is easy to make and you can adapt it to your tastes and dishes.

These meatballs are easy to make. The recipe should make 48 small meatballs. You want to keep them small so they cook quickly. You also want the freshest parsley possible. I grow 2 kinds and always have it readily available.

This time I put them and the chimichirri sauce over fettuccine. Worked out well.

Even if you aren't interested in the chimichurri sauce, the meatballs are excellent and could be used for other recipes. I have used the chimichurri sauce as a dressing for salads and it tastes good over pasta or rice.

Check out the recipe for yourself.
Chimichurri meatballs

CAPRESE SALAD - MY WAY

1/2 pint of cherry or grape tomatoes
your favorite salt
fresh basil
fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
extra virgin olive oil
balsamic vinegar

I first chop the tomatoes into halves and place them in a bowl. I grind salt over them, and stir. Allow to sit for about 20 minutes. Then chop or shred fresh basil into tomato mixture. (Save some basil to sprinkle on the top of the salad before serving.) Allow to sit and blend flavors for an additional 10 minutes.
Slice the fresh mozzarella. Drizzle your serving plate with fresh olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Place 2 slices of the mozzarella on the plate. Spoon 1/4 of the tomato mixture onto each slice. Top both with additional slice of mozzarella. Spoon the rest of the tomato mixture onto these slices. Top with additional fresh basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Broccoli Salad

I just made this and took it to a Tyndal family celebration. Travels well.

I got this recipe when I worked at the domestic violence shelter. It's easy and everyone always wants the recipe. Thanks, Deb!

Head of broccoli, in bite size pieces
4 - 5 slices of cooked bacon
1 small onion, chopped
1 (8 oz.) pkg of mozzarella cheese

1 cup mayo
½ cup sugar
2 TBS vinegar

Mix these ingredients together to form a sauce. Pour over broccoli, onion, and bacon.

Fresh Corn Salad with Vidalia Onion

Another shelter recipe. We really liked to eat there. This one was brought in by the boss. she served it over cold spaghetti, but I like it on it's own.

Kernels from 6 ears fresh corn
1 large Vidalia onion
2 medium zucchini
1 bunch of scallions
1 sweet red pepper
1 green pepper
½ cup fresh chopped parsley
2 tsps mustard seed

DRESSING
1 clove of garlic
2 tsps of Dijon mustard
2 tsps sugar
1 tsp hot sauce
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
2/3 cup of oil or vegetable oil

Cook corn in boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain and cool. Slice off kernels. Toss them with other vegetables and herbs. Set aside. Whisk together the dressing ingredients and add to corn mixture.