Cucumber salad “Ladyfingers” for the winter

Step 1

Prepare the ingredients for the ladyfingers cucumber salad. Finely chop the dill, peel and press the garlic cloves, and slice the small onions into thin strips.

Step 2

Soak cucumbers (even very fresh ones, straight from the garden) for at least 1 hour in cool water, then rinse thoroughly, preferably with a sponge. If the cucumbers are very large, it's best to peel them.

Step 3

Trim the ends of each cucumber. Cut the cucumbers lengthwise into quarters, then crosswise into 2-3 pieces. Don't cut them too small; ideally, you should have neat slices about the length of a lady's finger.

Step 4

In a large saucepan with a lid or a special bowl for preserving, combine the cucumbers, chopped dill, onion, and garlic. Add salt and sugar, stir gently to avoid damaging the cloves, then pour in odorless oil and vinegar.

Step 5

Sprinkle the future ladyfingers cucumber salad generously with black pepper, toss gently again, and let sit in a cool place for at least 6 hours (or preferably overnight). Stir occasionally to ensure the cucumbers release plenty of juice.

Step 6

Divide the salad among 500–700 ml glass jars (no need to sterilize them first, just rinse them). Add any liquid that has been released to the top and cover with lids. Line the bottom of a wide saucepan with a towel or non-woven cloth, place the jars in, and pour in the water.

Step 7

Wait until it boils, reduce the heat and sterilize the jars for 15–20 minutes, then cover with tight lids, turn over and leave to cool under a blanket for 12 hours.

Quick-pickled tomatoes in a saucepan? Yes, we read that right—tomatoes, not cucumbers! Many are surprised to learn that tomatoes can be pickled the same way as cucumbers. They turn out firm, flavorful, and just the right amount of spicy. This appetizer goes well with shashlik or new boiled potatoes. Eating a lightly salted tomato with black or Borodinsky bread is a special treat. For best results, choose firm, medium-sized tomatoes. And it's a good idea to have some horseradish in your garden (or at the market). With it, quick-pickled tomatoes in a saucepan will turn out simply... wonderful!

Cottage cheese is typically used in desserts, fluffy pastries, or as a filling for pancakes. It's rarely found in salads, however. The combination of cottage cheese and crab sticks may seem unusual, but I assure you, the salad is delicious and light, perfect for a group of ladies.

Lightly pickled cucumbers aren't just a snack; they're a little joy to have on hand. Crispy, aromatic, with a hint of tartness and spicy notes, they can liven up any lunch or dinner, be a highlight of a holiday table, or a favorite weekday treat. The beauty of these recipes is that they can be prepared in just an hour or more, using minimal ingredients and a bag or container, and the results are incredibly delicious.

This spicy tomato sauce is somewhat reminiscent of Georgian kindzmari, thanks to its cilantro, and Mexican salsa or mole (a big shout-out to chili peppers). This sauce is quite versatile, as it can be a great addition to many dishes. This spicy sauce made with tomatoes, peppers, and garlic works well with pasta, pizza, meat dishes, and vegetable stews. It's also a great accompaniment to steaks, burritos, or tacos. And, of course, it makes a wonderful accompaniment to kebabs or grilled sausages. This spicy tomato-chili sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container (preferably glass) for up to 5-7 days.

The "Lady's Whim" salad with prunes and chicken is a truly festive appetizer, but not exclusively for women, as the name might suggest. Men will devour this salad in one sitting. They'll appreciate its rich yet light flavor, as well as the undeniable sophistication imparted by prunes, walnuts, and a wonderfully juicy layer inside. This juicy layer is what distinguishes our recipe from many "Lady's Whims" made with a basic set of ingredients: chicken, prunes, eggs, cheese, and fresh cucumber. Our whim is made without cucumber. Instead, we used a stalk of celery and a juicy green apple. And it's wonderful. In our capricious opinion, the apple, combined with celery and the other salad ingredients, is much more expressive than cucumber. You can be even more sophisticated. For example, make a layer of canned or fresh pineapple. Any whim for your money, as they say.