Cucumber Salad

 

Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

• 1 lb. Persian cucumbers thinly sliced
• 4 T. rice wine vinegar
• 1 T. soy sauce
• 2 tsp. mirin or 1/2 T. sugar
• 2 tsp. grated fresh ginger
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp. black or white sesame seeds

Instructions

• Cut the cucumbers into 1/4 inch slices.
• Mix together the vinegar, soy sauce, mirin , ginger and red pepper flakes.
• Toss the cucumbers with the dressing. Add the sesame seeds and chill.

Notes

If you don’t have Persian cucumbers, use regular thinly sliced cucumbers but put them in a colander with 1/2 tsp salt for at least 10 minutes.  Squeeze out any excess liquid.  Then proceed with the recipe.

Peach Mango White Sangria

Peach Mango White Sangria

1/3 c. sugar
1/3 c. water
3/4 c. Peach Schnapps
1 bottle Viognier or other white wine
1 chopped mango
2 peaches, cut into thin wedges

In a saucepan, cook the sugar and water until the sugar dissolves; transfer to a pitcher and refrigerate until cold.  Add the remaining ingredients to the pitcher, stir and serve.

Cashew Cranberry Energy Balls

 

Cashew Cranberry Energy Balls

Ingredients

• 1 c. oatmeal
• 3 T. chopped cashews
• 3 T. chopped dried cranberries
• 1/2 c. peanut butter
• 1/4 c. honey

Instructions

• Combine the oatmeal, cashews and cranberries. Add the peanut butter and honey. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Then roll into 1” balls. Refrigerate for 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Pear Pecan Cheese Ball

 

Pear Pecan Cheese Ball

Ingredients

• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 1 1/4 c. shredded extra-sharp white cheddar
• 1 firm ripe pear
• 1 tsp. dried minced shallot or 2 T. finely chopped chives
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/3 c. finely chopped toasted pecans
• 2 T. finely chopped chives

Instructions

• Bring the cream cheese to room temperature.
• Finely dice the pear.
• Stir together the cream cheese, shredded cheese, pear, dried shallot, salt and pepper.
• Coat a large piece of plastic wrap with cooking spray.  Scoop the cheese mixture onto it.  Using the plastic wrap, form the cheese mixture into a ball, then completely wrap in plastic.  Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 2 days.
• Just before serving, combine the pecans and the chives on a plate.  Roll the cheese ball in the mixture, pressing to adhere on all sides.
• Serve with crackers and celery sticks.