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Summer Refreshment: 10 Cucumber Recipes to Beat the Heat

Leta Shy — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:39:33 PDT

Cucumbers don't just hydrate - there's more to this nutritious treat. Cucumbers are a good source of vitamin C and fiber, not to mention silica, which is responsible for healthy tissue, bones, and skin. Luckily, Summer is the perfect time to enjoy this refreshing veggie. Check out these 10 cucumber recipes that will help you beat the heat!

In Season: Cucumbers

Susannah Chen — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:07:29 PDT

It's hard to imagine given their proliferation at supermarkets across the country, but cucumbers actually do have a season, and it's right now. These beautiful green fruits - yes, they're fruits, not vegetables! - belong to the same family as melon and squash, and they're at their peak growing time from early Summer to early Fall.

At the market, look for cucumbers that are firm, vividly colored, and absent of wrinkles, bruises, or discoloration. Store them in a warmer corner of the refrigerator (you don't want them to freeze!) and use them within two to three days. If you want to enjoy them with their skins still on, select thinner-skinned varieties like Kirby, Persian, Japanese, or English cucumbers. If you find a cucumber's skin too thick, waxy, or bitter, simply peel it off.

Read ahead for a few of our favorite ways to enjoy the cucumber.

The Basics: Tzatziki

Katie Sweeney — Mon, 23 May 2011 04:06:21 PDT

Since attending a lunch that celebrated Greek wines, I can't stop thinking about Greek cuisine. My favorite Greek condiment is tzatziki, a cooling sauce that's served with grilled meat, souvlaki, and gyros. It's made with Greek yogurt that's been strained, so it has a super thick texture. I use Ina Garten's recipe, but I add a bunch of chopped mint to it. The most important ingredients are the yogurt and cucumbers, otherwise, you can add whatever herbs you have on hand, parsley works well as does dill and basil. Check out the method after the break.

Eat Your Greens: Weelicious Green Vegetable Recipes For Babies and Kids

Rebecca M Gruber — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:30:35 PDT

Greening up your St. Patrick's Day meal doesn't have to involve green food coloring. As we continue filling lil ones' plates with green vegetables for this week's holiday, we checked in with kiddie chef extraordinaire Catherine McCord, founder of Weelicious and mother of two, for some tot-friendly recipes. From veggie pops to some crispy, Italian-style asparagus, check out Catherine's green picks for kids.

Fast & Easy Dinner: Asian Steak Salad

Susannah Chen — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 09:00:43 PDT

Post-Halloween, get back into the swing of things by settling in with a decidedly delicious yet healthy steak salad. Although Asian-inspired steak salads can venture into more sophisticated territory, a pared-down version can be equally delicious.

The secret here lies in multitasking: Create a garlicky lime vinaigrette that'll do double duty as both dressing and marinade. Allow the steak to cook in the broiler while you're chopping and tossing the vegetables. Top still-warm steak with a sprinkling of peanuts, and dinner's ready in under 30. Want the recipe? Then keep reading.

Fall Into Salads: Apple Pear With Sesame Steak

YumSugar — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 16:00:10 PDT

I spent the Summer making salads, and while the weather has begun to change, that doesn't mean it isn't a great time for salads full of Fall flavors. At a recent trip to the market, I was thrilled to see one of my absolute favorite Fall fruits: the apple pear.

Apple pears are not a cross between apples and pears, but they have a shape that's similar to an apple with pear-like skin. Apple pears' texture is wonderfully crisp and they have a mild sweet flavor. While they're great eaten alone, they're even better in this Asian-influenced salad.

The fresh mix of cucumbers, radishes, and apple pears pair perfectly with bulgogi-style beef. The salad can easily be prepped ahead of time, then quickly cook the beef and assemble just before serving. If you are ready to embrace Fall, keep reading for the recipe.

Come Party With Me: Labor Day - Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:30:43 PDT

Although Labor Day is an American holiday, I'm suggesting that you serve a classic British cocktail, Pimm's Cup, at your barbecue. Why? Because it's a refreshing and wonderful drink! It's fruity, gingery, and not too strong. This punch-like libation requires a special spirit, Pimm's No. 1, that's readily available at most liquor stores. The recipe serves four, but I would plan on doubling it. A Pimm's Cup is so delicious that you and your guests will be craving seconds. Look at a recipe after the break.

Happy Hour: The Fiji Facial

YumSugar — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:30:38 PDT

Over the weekend, the second annual SF Chefs event took place, and it wasn't just about the food - beer, wine, and cocktails were in full force, too. Case in point: MIX with SF Top Chefs, a happy hour featuring a cocktail shake-off between San Francisco's most memorable Top Chef alums.

Five contenders - Ryan Scott, Jen Biesty, Mattin Nobila, Erik Hopfinger, and Laurine Wickett - made original cocktail recipes that incorporated the use of Fiji Water, a sponsor for the event, and I had the pleasure of guest judging the competition. In the end, Top Chef: Chicago's Jen Biesty came out on top with a well-balanced cucumber cocktail.
Jen Biesty named her cocktail The Fiji Facial after being inspired by a famous San Francisco spa. Her zen-like cocktail incorporates health-minded ingredients like ginger juice and organic cane sugar. To score the refreshing recipe - and check out photos from the event - read on.

Reader Recipe: Toasted Israeli Couscous With a Veggie Medley

Fit Community — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:53:33 PDT

Before you bow out of making dinner tonight, check out this Israeli couscous recipe brisas posted in our Healthy Recipe Group.

Learn how to make this tasty recipe when you read more.

Yummy Links: From Gail Simmons to President Obama

partysugar — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 06:50:59 PDT

Gail Simmons opens up about her role as hostess of Top Chef: Just Desserts. - Feast
Tips for making homemade sausage. - Huffington Post Food
Everything you need to know about Morimoto's new Napa restaurant. - Inside Scoop
Be like Thomas Keller and make your own cured lemons. - Food Wishes
How to refuse dessert politely. - Chow
On a hot night, serve chilled cucumber soup for dinner. - The Epi-Log
Anthony Bourdain is hosting a food writing contest. - Eater
Catching up with the Food Network's Adam Gertler. - Serious Eats
Find out how President Obama prefers his pizza slices. - Grub Street CHI