August 18, 2005
rainier 2005 - day 7
we drove to auburn (about an hour away) this morning to do some shopping for fishing equipment and to lust over boats. then we drove to the great wall mall and had dim sum for lunch followed by boba chasers (mango smoothies with yummie tapioca balls, coconut jellies and other assorted add-ons). drove home, rested and had an unbelievable feast prepared by vicky, including cold cucumber soup, salad, filet mignon with mushroom sauce and rice, followed by fantastic raspberry tarts.
here's the table before the food came out. when the food came out, i forgot to take pictures. believe me, everything was yummy! vicky, where's that cold cucumber soup recipe?!?!?!?
it was a very lovely day.
[update 09.18.05] well, vickie just sent that recipe for the cucumber soup. It was fantastic…. cool, refreshing, and light. I think this would be great for a potluck or a picnic.
COLD CUCUMBER SOUP
Makes 4 to 6 servings
3 cucumbers
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or mint
1 leek, white part only, sliced, or 1/4 cup chopped onion
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 cups fresh chicken stock or canned broth
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
White pepper (optional)
1 cup Half & Half
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tablespoon honey
Peel and slice two of the cucumbers. Peel, seed and grate the remaining cucumber. Heat the butter in a large, heavy saucepan. Add the sliced cucumbers and cook over low heat for a few minutes. Add the dill or mint, leek and bay leaf and cook over low heat until tender, about 20 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for a few more minutes, stirring constantly. Add the stock and salt and simmer gently for 30 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and let the mixture cool slightly. Puree the mixture, half at a time, in a blender or food processor. Return to the pan and add the white pepper to taste. Add the half & half, lemon juice and honey; then taste and adjust the seasoning. Stir in the grated cucumber. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve in a chilled bowl.
Posted by lesleeroberts at August 18, 2005 09:23 PM