Awesome Refrigerator Cucumber Relish

Sometimes while I'm laying in bed trying to get to sleep I have thoughts about things to put on my blog running through my head... do you do that?

Well, this is one of those posts that is a result of all of that tossing and turning one night.  It's a recipe I got from a friend at least twenty years ago. But I had to share it because it's sooo good that I know you will love it. You won't believe how easy this one is. Oh, and did I mention DELICIOUS!

You can freeze this in portion containers for months and it will be as crisp as the day you made it. It's unbelievable. If you like relishes and pickles you will love this. 

Awesome Refrigerator Cucumber Relish
From Paulie in Vista, CA

Ingredients:

For the sauce
2 c. sugar
1 tsp. celery seed
1 tsp. mustard seed
1 c. vinegar

Mix all of the above ingredients together in a medium saucepan. Bring to boil and allow it to cool.

For the vegetables

In another large bowl, mix:

6 c. sliced, peel cucumbers
1 c. green &/or red peppers, thinly sliced
2 c. yellow onion, halved and sliced
1 c. celery, sliced into 1/4" pieces
1 c. carrots, thinly sliced (optional)
1/2 tsp. salt

Allow vegetable mix to blend for at least 1/2 hour. Mix vegetables with vinegar mixture. Refrigerate at least one day to allow flavors to blend. This will keep in the refrigerator up to one month. May be frozen and will stay crisp even after being frozen. Or, you might want to can this in a water bath following manufacturer's directions. I like to package this in small plastic containers and freeze for those months when cucumbers are pretty pricey!

I would love to hear your thoughts once you try this, so leave me a comment and let me know.

Bon Appetit!

Make Your Own Seasonings

I guarantee that these recipes for you to make at home will cost pennies compared to what you would pay at the grocers. Here's a few that I use all the time.

Paula Deen has been so generous to share her recipe for her house seasoning with all of her viewers. It's so easy to put together and so handy to have available. Since I like her method of cooking, especially comfort foods, I decided to try it. And, I haven't stopped trying it since. It's amazing just how this simple mixture brings great flavor to all of your cooking - everything from asparagus to zucchini.

Paula Deen's House Seasoning
1 c. salt
1/2 c. coarsely ground pepper
1/2 c. garlic powder

Mix together and store in an airtight container.

Here's another spice mixture we use at our house, Montreal Seasoning. It's simple to put together and is a great rub for sirloins, flank, london broil and other steaks. This will cost a fraction to make compared to the price you would pay at the store.

2 tbl. sweet Paprika
1 1/2 tbl. black pepper (I prefer coarsely ground)
3 tbl. salt (I prefer coarse kosher salt)
2 tbl. garlic powder
2 tbl. onion powder
1 1/2 tbl. ground coriander
2 tsp. Cayenne pepper

Combine all spices in a small bowl and stir to mix. Store mixture in an airtight jar.

And here's Bobby Flay's rendition of Espresso Rub. This is absolutely fantastic and you won't believe how much flavor it brings to a rib eye. You would never guess coffee was even involved as there's no coffee taste at all.

Bobby Flay's Espresso Rub

1/4 c. ancho chili powder
1/4 c. finely ground espresso (I prefer decaf if I can find it)
2 tbl. Spanish paprika
2 tbl. brown sugar
1 tbl. dry mustard
1 tbl. coarse kosher salt
1 tbl. ground black pepper
1 tbl. ground coriander
1 tbl. dried oregano
2 tsp. ground ginger
2 tsp. chili de arbol powder

You can see how Bobby Flay uses this rub to cook his steaks here. We absolutely love this. I hope you will try it and drop me a line to let me know your thoughts on this and these other seasoning mixes.