After moving out of town to a rural property, we planted our first garden this year. We chose many of the standard vegetables to plant--tomatoes, jalapenos, corn, beans, potatoes, and cucumbers.

We were so excited when it seemed only days (really was weeks) we were harvesting cucumbers from our garden. Someone had warned me that I had better have a use for the cucumbers because they grow overnight. And grow they did! I was bringing in baskets full each morning.

This led to my search for a variety of cucumber recipes. All these recipes are easy to make and good for your body as well as your skin.

Cucumbers contain about 90% water. Dewatering your cucumbers is simple; utilize this method to release some of the liquid before you mix your recipes. Peel and slice your cucumbers and place in a bowl covered in salt. Let sit for two hours and then rinse.

Here is the one recipe I have been using the most.

Ingredients needed:

• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Sugar
  
• 3 Cucumbers
• 1 Green Onion (diced)
  

Directions:

1. Peel and slice cucumbers. Dewater cucumbers as directed previously.
2. Rinse cucumbers and add diced onions.
   
3. Mix together in a different container 3 Tbsps. of Apple Cider Vinegar and 1 Tbsp. of sugar (or sugar substitute).
4. Pour liquid over cucumbers and onions. Let sit in refrigerator at least one hour before serving.

This recipe is simple utilizing cucumbers and tomatoes.

Directions:

Slice tomatoes and cucumbers.
I usually arrange 1 tomato and 1/2 a cucumber on each salad plate, so the quantity depends upon how many you are feeding.
Arrange on salad plate and pour **Ranch dressing over them.

**I utilize the dry ranch dressing mix and prepare it in advance. It is my opinion it has a much better flavor than the bottled ranch dressing.

Some types of sushi utilize cucumbers so why not potato salad. This easy-to-make recipe from Taste of Home magazine is just perfect for two people.

Tip: Microwave your potatoes instead of boiling.

Ingredients:

2 red potatoes, cooked and cubed
2 to 3 tbsps. of mayonnaise
1 tbsp. of dill pickle relish
1 tbsp. of diced pimentos
1/2 tsp. celery seed
1/2 tsp. dill weed
1/4 tsp. salt
1 med. cucumber, sliced
2 tbsps. chopped pecans, toasted

Directions:

In large bowl, combine first seven ingredients. Place cucumber slices on two plates; top with potato salad. Sprinkle with pecans. 2 servings

Cucumbers are not only edible they are also very refreshing for your skin. On your eyes, they help to reduce puffiness and swelling. Try this for yourself by adding cucumber slices over your eyes as you rest.

For your skin, cucumbers help to soothe and soften. Cucumbers are often an added ingredient to many skin and facial beauty products.

Here is a recipe to give your skin a very refreshing feeling while leaving you with a cooling sensation:

Ingredients:

1 cucmber, peeled and de-seeded
5 mint leaves, crushed
1 egg, egg white separated

Directions:

Blend together mint leaves and the cucumber
Beat egg white until forming peaks
Add egg white to cucumber/mint mixture
Apply evenly to face and leave on for 20 minutes
Rinse with water and pat dry.