CUCUMBER SALAD

Cool, delicious cucumber salad. For a pretty salad, peel only half of each cucumber, leaving strips of skin on each.

INGREDIENTS
4 or 5 cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 small white onion, thinly sliced
1 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried dill, or to taste

DIRECTIONS
1. Toss together the cucumbers and onion in a large bowl.*
2. Combine the vinegar, water and sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil.
3. pour over the cucumber and onions. Stir in dill, cover, and refrigerate until cold.

This can also be eaten at room temperature, but be sure to allow the cucumbers to marinate for at least 1 hour.

*Don't make the vinegar solution first and then chop the cucumber because it's important that the vinegar solution be hot to ensure proper flavoring.

SWEET AND TART STRAWBERRY SALAD

This is a delightful, and unusual strawberry salad. Pepper and vinegar enhance the sweetness of fresh berries.

INGREDIENTS
3 pounds fresh strawberries, rinsed and sliced
1/4 cup and 1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, toss berries with sugar and let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes. In a small bowl, combine the vinegar and pepper. Pour over berries and toss to coat. Divide berries among 8 serving bowls and serve. Enjoy!