Fried Cucumbers!

 

I have had so many cucumbers this year, so I am using them in every way possible.  I mean there are only so many salads you can eat!    It has been said we will bread and fry anything in the south and it will be good!!!  That's almost the truth!!!   Why not fried cucumbers then?   We fry squash, okra, green tomatoes, pickles, mushrooms...so why not cucumbers?    They are delicious!!!   If you have never tried them, they are less tart than fried green tomatoes and lighter in flavor than squash, but they are yummy!! ! 

4-5 medium size cucumbers

2 cups buttermilk

1 cup cornmeal

1 cup flour (self rising or plain, doesn't matter)

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

Cajun seasoning (I use Tony Chachere's) optional

oil for frying

Slice the cucumbers, unpeeled, in about 1/4 inch slices.  Pour buttermilk over them and let them stand a few minutes.   Mix the cornmeal, flour, salt and pepper.   Dredge the slices of cucumber in the mixture until well coated.  

Heat the deep fryer or about 2-3 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350 degrees.  Carefully drop the cucumber slices into the fryer in batches.  You will probably have 2 to 3 batches depending on the size of the fryer.  Let them cook for about 5 minutes or until golden brown.  Flip them over once to be sure they brown on both sides. 

 Remove to a paper towel lined plate.  I like to sprinkle lightly with Cajun seasoning at this point, but that is optional. Serve these immediately.  They are best when right out of the fryer!

These are so good dipped in Mississippi Comeback Sauce!!!

Watermelon Cucumber Salad!!!

In the summer, I like to use all of the things I have on hand as much as possible in my recipes!   I don't grow a huge garden, but I do like to grow all types of herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers!

 I have had a really good year for cucumbers, so I am trying all sorts of ways to use them and this was a great recipe for them.  I have also been over taken by Kentucky Spearmint so I am looking for ways to use some of it also!

I must admit, I am not a big fan of watermelon and really never have been, except when I was pregnant.  That was the one time I craved watermelon and thought it tasted so good...until it didn't if you know what I mean!!!    I can eat most anything though so it's something I will eat.

 However, I was so surprised by how much I loved this salad!!!    It was fantastic!  So if you like watermelon normally, this is one you will probably love!!!  My picky eater even loved it!!!

It's a great mix of all sorts of yummy things and they all complement each other in a really yummy way!!!   The feta cheese adds a little saltiness to it and makes it so good!!!  The fresh mint adds a really fresh taste to it all and the balsamic dressing just ties it all together!!!  This is also very light and healthy!!!    

Here is what you will need:

4 cups watermelon, cubed and seeded

2 medium cucumbers, diced in bite size pieces, seeds removed

2 cups strawberries, sliced

1 Tbs. fresh mint, chopped

1/2 cup Feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 tsp. salt

juice of 1 lemon

1/3 cup Balsamic Dressing of your choice

Place the watermelon, cucumber, strawberries, mint and Feta cheese in a large bowl.

Sprinkle with salt and drizzle with the lemon juice.

Power the Balsamic Dressing over all and toss lightly with a large spoon!  

I like to sprinkle a little more Feta cheese on top and garnish with a sprig of mint!!