What shall I do with 15 cucumbers??

[janetsflower]

Got a greenhouse full of cucumbers and am sick of salad and cucumber raita - my husband doesn't like chilled soups and I can't think of anything else to do with them!! HELP

[Clanad]

You could start by making cucumber sandwiches... here's a recipe from the net that's alot like the one we use:

Ingredients:
1 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 Tbs. sour cream
1 1/2 tsps. chopped chives
Salt and pepper to taste
4 slices white or mild wheat bread
1/4 large cucumber, peeled and sliced thin
Chive for garnish


Directions:
To assemble each sandwich: Mix together first 4 ingredients and spread evenly on 2 slices of bread, saving about a teaspoon of the spread for garnish.Top with cucumbers, and remaining 2 slices of bread. Using a sharp knife, cut the crusts off the edges. Cut sandwiches into 2 triangles or rectangles. To garnish, place a dab of remaining spread on top of each triangle or rectangle and add a bit of chives.

Makes 4 sandwiches For Watercress sandwiches, substitute 10 to 12 sprigs watercress for the cucumber, and cilantro for the chives. For Salmon sandwiches, substitute 2 oz. sliced smoked salmon for the cucumber, and dill for the chives. For Ham sandwiches, substitute 2 oz. thinly sliced ham for the cucumber, and fresh tarragon for the chives. Proceed as for the Cucumber Sandwiches.

Contd.

[Clanad]

Contd.

Or you could try Tzatziki:... we've done this several times... very nice:
Tzatziki
Ingredients
1 container (16 ounces) plain lowfat yogurt
1/2 English (seedless) cucumber, not peeled, seeded and finely chopped plus a few thin slices
1/1-2 teaspoons salt
1 to 2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint or dill plus additional sprigs
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions
Spoon yogurt into sieve lined with cheesecloth or coffee filter set over bowl; cover and refrigerate overnight. Transfer drained yogurt to medium bowl and discard liquid.

Meanwhile, in colander set over bowl, toss chopped cucumber with 1 teaspoon salt. Let drain at least 1 hour at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate up to 8 hours. In batches, wrap chopped cucumber in kitchen towel and squeeze to remove as much liquid as possible. Pat dry with paper towels, then add to bowl with yogurt.

With flat side of chef's knife, mash garlic to a paste with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add garlic, chopped mint, oil, vinegar, and pepper to yogurt and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 or up to 4 hours. Serve chilled or at room temperature, topped with cucumber slices and mint sprigs.

Yield: about 1-1/2 cups

We, also, have an over abundance of cucumbers this year and have made and canned a lot of various pickles...
Best of luck!

[meltoadhall]

we had the same prob - memo to self only plant one plant next year - every time someone came to the house they were leaving with a cucumber. they have finished at last.
my problem now is courgettes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[skyep]

janetsflower - Sliced & pickled in malt vinegar, nice on a cold meat sandwich!

[WendyS]

Haven't quite solved the problem as I've also had a cucumber suplus but I grow the mini varieties of cucumber which you pick when they're only 6 inches long, and absolutely crunchy and delicious. You can almost eat one off in one go with sandwiches.
Greek salad with chopped tomatoes, chopped red onion, black olives and chopped cucumber is another options, or cutting them into chunky strips and preserving in white vinegar or brine with a handful of dill thrown in.

[Alibobs]

Give them to your neighbours

[PinkFizz]

I could give a rude answer!

[janetsflower]

thank you for those answers - i don't need the rude one though, already heard it. We only have two neighbours and they are sick of cucumbers, tomatoes, courgettes, lettuce etc too. And i did only plant one plant. But my husband can take cucumber sandwiches to work tomorrow and come home to salad with zatziki, pickles and cucumber garnishes!!!

[joko]

could you donate a few to a shelter or hospital for dinners perhaps?
i know the wvrs make sarnies to sell in hospitals too

[BBWCHATT]

I like to slice the cucumbers, dice some tomatoes & onions, add some mayo. Cover and leave in the fridge overnight. Serve chilled the next day with your favorite beans. A great summer meal.

[strobe70]

I saw a chef cooking with cucumber- use it like pak choi in chinese/thai cooking- sliced thinly. I must stress I haven't tried it myself! But there may be some recipes on the net-have youi tried bbc.co.uk/food?