Thursday, July 12, 2012

Cucumbers and Tomatoes.

I don't know what it is about cucumbers and tomatoes but they won my heart over when I was a kid. 



I don't think you understand... I have eaten over 15 whole tomatoes in one sitting before and I probably eat at least one cucumber a day. Just throw a little salt and pepper on 'em and they are delicious! 




Damian had to work late last night so I said I would come over and make him dinner. What did he want? Perogis, out of a box. There's not much fun in that but he was craving it and well they are pretty good. At least I got to have free reign over the side dishes. So I present to you:

Mr. T's cheese and potato pirogi's, Cucumber and ginger slaw, Beefsteak tomato salad, and sliced french bread topped with roasted garlic and goat cheese.



Cucumber and Ginger Slaw

What you need:
- 2-3 large cucumbers
- 1 large ginger root 
- 3 teaspoons honey
- 4 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Course salt

Cut cucumbers into 3-inch lengths, then thinly slice lengthwise, avoiding center. Cut slices into matchsticks. Peal ginger and thinly slice into matchsticks. In a bowl, toss ginger, cucumber, and fresh lime juice until combined. Season with salt and chili powder. 



Beefsteak Tomato Salad

What you need:
- 3 Tablespoons red-wine vinegar
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced
- 3 teaspoons capers, coarsely chopped
- 3 ripe beefsteak tomatoes
- Coarse salt and ground pepper

In a small bowl or mixing glass, whisk together red-wine vinegar and olive oil; stir in shallot and capers. Core tomatoes; cut each into 8 wedges and place in a serving bowl. Drizzle with dressing, and season with salt and pepper. 


To roast garlic: Slice top off garlic and place in tin foil. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of olive oil and enclose tin foil like a ball. Bake in oven at 450 degrees for 45 minutes. Its easy to just throw this in the oven first and then do all your prepping for your other dishes while its cooking! 

To make bread: Slice fresh french bread, spread goat cheese, and top with roasted garlic cloves. 


I also made a little banana soft-serve for desert and threw in some frozen raspberries, yum!




Check out the pretty flowers that one of my co-workers Kris got me! They look great in my office :)