Cucumber and Radish Appetizers ~ Two Ways

This passed weekend was our Annual Adult Easter Egg Hunt Party, and the food was always a hit. We did an informal hamburger and hot dog spread, but had a little of the fancy-shmancy stuff too. There was potato salad, slaw and deviled eggs to name a few of the sides, but the appetizers were a hit. Here are the recipes for the Cucumber ~ Radish Bites.

Herbed Cream Cheese Cucumber and Radish Appetizers
(on the long tray)

4 oz cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons mayonaise
1/2 teaspoon dill weed
2 teaspoons ranch dressing mix
1/2 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest
1/8 teaspoon table salt
Pinch of cayenne, or to taste
1-2 medium pickling cucumber
3 medium radishes
1 teaspoons minced fresh basil

and Kosher salt for sprinkling

Stir together cream cheese, herbs, zest, lemon juice, table salt, and cayenne.
Slice 32 (1/8-inch-thick) rounds from cucumber with a mandolin. Trim bottoms from radishes, then slice into 32 (1/16-inch-thick) rounds with a mandolin. Top each cucumber slice with 1/2 teaspoon herbed cream cheese and top with a radish slice. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt and basil serve immediately.

Pimento Cheese Cucumber and Radish Appetizers
(on the small plate)

1 lb Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
1 8oz package Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup diced Pimento
1 cup Mayonnaise
2 tablespoons onion, grated
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and Cayenne Pepper, to taste

Combine all the ingredients, mixing well. Refrigerate 2 to 3 hours for flavors to mix.

Prepare the cucumbers and radishes as in the recipe above, but use my pimento cheese spread instead. (With this recipe, you will have a generous plenty of pimento cheese for sandwiches or as a dip for crackers.)

Shared on Meal Plan Monday 

Vegetable Confetti Salad

I'm always looking for new side dishes and this one does not disappoint! It is beautiful as well as tasty! I made this for my Wednesday Night crowd at church and it was a hit!

1 cup diced radishes
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup cucumber
1/2 cup diced red and green bell pepper
1/4 cup finely diced red onion
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
6 oz Feta cheese
1/2 cup (your favorite) Italian salad dressing
1 1/2 cups cooked and cooled pasta (optional)
      (I used a Red Wine Vinaigrette and broken spaghetti noodles)

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients, and toss. Refrigerate until ready to serve. If the pasta is dry, add a little more dressing and serve.

My Little Garden's Progress

For those of you who remember my post about my goat and needing a solution for a garden this year, you'll remember My Little Garden on Stilts! This is an update on the progress it is making.

 Basil is progressing slowly...

 Cilantro is all up, finally!

 Cucumber plants have new growth...

 Little worried about the dill...

it looks a little brown.

 Grand Rapids Leaf Lettuce!

 Ooooookra!!!

 Radishes-es-es-es...

Think I need to thin them? LOL

A view from up top while watering :-)

If you didn't see the first post, click on the link at the top of the page. That will take you to the post of when we first built and planted the garden :-)

Buttermilk Dressing

• With this recipe, you don't need to go out and buy a $3 bottle of buttermilk to get the great flavor of buttermilk dressing. Use the old substitution of whole milk and lemon... Things we usually have on hand anyway!

• 1 cup whole Milk
• Zest and juice of 1/2 Lemon
• 5 tablespoons Mayonnaise
• 1/2 small Shallot, finely minced
• 11/2 teaspoons House Seasoning*
• 
  
• 1 bunch Romaine Hearts, sliced
• 1 bunch Watercress, trimmed
• 1 bunch Radishes, thinly sliced
• Seasoned Croutons
• 
  
• In a medium bowl, whisk together milk and lemon juice; let stand until milk thickens, about 5 minutes. Add lemon zest, mayonnaise, shallots, and house seasoning. Whisk to combine, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
• Place romaine, watercress and radishes in a large bowl. Add dressing and toss to combine; cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Top with Croutons and Parmesan Cheese, if desired.

*House Seasoning:

1 cup salt
1/4 cup black pepper
1/4 cup garlic powder


Mix together and pour in a shaker.