Spicy Cucumbers

by

I love most everything about it.

I adore the long days when the sun rises before I do and doesn’t set until after 8pm, even 9pm in the best part of the season. Everything is easier and breezier when it’s daylight outside.

In summer, getting dressed is a joy. Mix bright colors and sunny patterns and you are on your way. Every weekend, I wear sundresses and flip flops, which is about the best outfit there is because you look cute and feel like you have pajamas on. (And truthfully, since I work in Boulder, I can wear sundresses and flip flops to work all week if I decide to.)

And the fresh produce! I am in love with my new CSA, which has given me big, pre-washed bags of lettuce and other greens each week so far.  I’ve also received pretty little radishes and elegant white turnips, all plucked from the ground just a few miles away.

The idea for this recipe came from my friend L.B., who shares my CSA delivery with me.  It uses cucumbers, which are mild – until you zing them up with this marinade.

I used this as a garnish on sausages and on beef.  L.B. used it as a salad topping. We both agreed it made a nice appetizer if you like foods with a kick.

One suggestion: When you make this, take note of  what you like and dislike so you can tweak it to suit your tests next time.  You may decide you want less ginger or a different type of vinegar. But don’t get too worked up the exact proportions. It’s all good really. After all, it’s summer.

Spicy Cucumbers

Jalapeno pepper, 1

Fresh ginger, 2 inches

Garlic, 2 cloves

Honey, 1 teaspoon

Salt, ½ teaspoon

Pepper, ½ teaspoon

Vinegar, 1/2 – 1 cup (Apple cider, white vinegar and rice wine vinegar all work well.)

Cucumber, 3-4

Water, as needed

  1. Dice jalapeno, ginger and garlic.  Make sure you dice well or use a food processor.
  2. Add chopped flavors to a 32 oz glass jar or other glass container of similar size.
  3. Add honey, salt, pepper and vinegar.  Stir well.
  4. Add cucumbers and fill rest of jar with water.
  5. Put cover on jar and shake well to mix everything blend.
  6. Let sit overnight. To serve, remove cucumber slices from the marinade and enjoy.