Cucumber
Carpaccio of Hiramasi King Fish with Oysters, Cucumber and Native Lime
This recipe sponsored by Black Swan Vineyards
By Paul Wilson
Pimm's Cup
This is a drink made with on of Pimm's three mixtures: Pimm's No. 1 (with a gin base), Pimm's No. 2 (with a Scotch base) or Pimm's No. 3 (with a brandy base).
Cucumber Agua Fresca
Luis Miguel López Alanís of Morelia, Mexico, writes: "Although I grew up in Mexico, it was in Chicago of all places that I learned to cook Mexican food. During the two years I lived there, I missed my country's food so much that I wrote to my mother in Zitácuaro and asked her to send me recipes so I could cook for myself.
"Now I work as a tour guide in Michoacán, my home state, where I lead tours on Morelia's colonial history and architecture, and show tourists the Paricutín Volcano and monarch butterfly sanctuaries. And sometimes I do restaurant and market tours. Whenever business slows down, I enjoy cooking for my family. "
Mexico is known for its aguas frescas, delicious cold "waters" made simply from fruits or vegetables, water, and sugar. They're the perfect refreshment on a hot day.
Bulgur, Cucumber, Dill and Mint Salad
Heres a cool combination thats excellent with salmon. Because the bulgur is not cooked, it needs to sit overnight in the dressing to soften, so begin preparing it a day ahead.
Asian Chicken Salad
By Naomi Sasagawa-Baughman
Grilled Salmon with Tomato, Cucumber and Caper Salsa
The salmon can be grilled two ways. The first method requires a fish-grilling basket, which can be found at many cookware and barbecue stores (use one that's about 18 by 6 inches for this recipe). The second technique doesn't call for any special equipment at all — just a rimless baking sheet and a spatula.