Line the mold for a loaf-shaped paté or cheese spread with several cucumber ribbons; fill mold with the meat or cheese mixture. When the appetizer is unmolded, the colorful strips will be on top. Even ordinary meat loaf can be company fare if you dress it up by spiraling a few cucumber ribbons on the serving dish along each side of the loaf. Baking a ham for a special meal? Slice the ham and place on a platter. Coil a cucumber ribbon here and there for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Medium cucumber
Bowl of ice water
EQUIPMENT
Cutting board
Paring knife
Vegetable peeler
1. Cut ends from cucumber; discard ends. Cut thin lengthwise strips from cucumber with vegetable peeler, making sure there is a line of green peel on both sides of each strip. Continue cutting strips until you reach seeds.
2. Turn cucumber, leaving about 1/2 inch of green peel before starting next strip. Repeat cutting of strips. Repeat turning and cutting once more.
3. If desired, trim ends of cucumber strips to straighten sides. Place strips in ice water to chill thoroughly. Remove from water; drain well.
4. Gently gather cucumber strips with fingers to form decorative ruffle. Place on desired food or plate to secure.
Cucumber Ribbons
