Cool Cucumber Salad (and a Warm Sweater)
I had a few requests to post pictures of the hand-knit sweater I referenced in this post. Behold:
I particularly like the cabled waist and sleeves:
This sweater is definitely the most complicated project I’ve ever knit. For someone who had only knit scarves and hats prior to this project (plus one vest which will probably never see the light of day), starting this sweater was a leap of faith. Who says the Tao of Knitting isn’t universal?
I wanted to show you what the sweater looks like on a person, and while Peter does look good in pink, I decided to spare him and wear it myself. Of course, this means that Peter was the photographer, and we all know what that means.
I call this series of getting-ready-to-be-photographed pictures: Expressions in Pink.
“Do allow me to introduce Mauler Mahler, our resident Fu Dog in the jaunty tweed hat. Would you care to give him a pat? His teeth are only as sharp as butter knives, I swear.”
“This is a move we dietitians call: The Hungry Pterodactyl.”
“I am attempting to recreate a biology textbook human body diagram, only without my internal organs showing. Also, you are fired, photographer.”
Anyhow, I finished this sweater in time for temperatures to hit the 90s later this week (cue Third Eye Blind and Counting Crows). Well done, Jessie.
Fortunately, I do have something a little more season-appropriate to give you.
Cool cucumber salad, anyone?
This salad is so simple, I don’t know why I make it once in a planetary alignment. One day, when we have garden space galore, I’d like to try making this salad with home-grown cucumbers.
Cool Cucumber Salad
 Prep Time: 10 minutes
 Keywords: raw salad vegan cucumber
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 medium cucumbers
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Peel cucumber and slice in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out seeds. Slice each half cucumber in half lengthwise to form four long quarters. Slice into 1/4-inch thick slices.
Mix together remaining ingredients and toss with cucumber slices. Allow to sit for 10 minutes, then serve with sesame seeds as garnish.
Bonus pic! As usual, I served this cool cucumber salad during my open hours at Strawberry Fields.
I’ll even show off its awesomeness to you.
Because what’s cooler than a creepy half-smile and an awkward arm flare?
P.S. I have a post going up next Wednesday, but otherwise I won’t be posting for the next week and a half due to travel (and not preparing additional posts in time, of course). See you next week!
I am so impressed by your sweater-knitting SKILLZ. Very cool.
And that cucumber salad sounds so refreshing. It will definitely needed for the sweltering temps we’re getting this weekend!
Whoa, those are some serious knitting skills my friend!
I love the dearer excellent job!
Wow, I am impressed!! I am trying to take up sewing and so far, so good. I tried knitting but I think I was too impatient. 😉
This salad looks delicious!
WOW! I cannot believe you knit that!!! That is just beautiful!
Your knitting skills are awesome! I’m very impressed!
My Mum went through a Korean/Japanese food phase once, and she’s actually made this cucumber salad, including the spicy chili flakes. It’s delicious!
Thanks, Sandi! 🙂 Your Mum sounds like a great cook!
Haha! Only when it comes to Asian food, or her interpretation of it. My favorite meal is a glass noodle salad that a Korean friend showed her how to make. When she tried to cook “German” in my early childhood I had to suffer through many half-baked casseroles and over-cooked vegetables…
Oh the sweater is just beautiful Jessie! My aunt is an amazing knitter, and she always sends me the prettiest things. I know she would love this. And the cucumber salad looks heavenly too. So light and refreshing!
Thank you for the sweater photos, Jessie 🙂 It’s so intricate! You have awesome skills! I love the flared sleeves 🙂
This salad reminds me of Korea. Delicious!
Love the flared sleeves, and the cable pattern too! Sometime’s it’s easier to learn a new skill with a difficult but interesting project than with a simpler but boring one. The will to see the finished product keeps you going!! Well done! 🙂
I love cucumbers! They are very good with light olive oil and balsamic vinegar, too 🙂
You’re absolutely right, Christa – just wanting to see what the sweater would look like when it was done pushed me to continue, even when it went very slowly 🙂 I’ll have to try cucumbers with olive oil and vinegar!
Awesome job on the sweater!!!
I was just thinking that I haven’t made a cucumber salad in a while. I’ll have to make some soon!