Cucumbers With Tapenade Mousse Recipes

CUCUMBER CANOES OF SALMON MOUSSE

Steps:

• In food processor, chop up salmon into a paste. Add cream cheese, salt and pepper, and creme fraiche to make a mixture loose enough to pipe out into cucumber boats. Peel cucumbers and halve lengthwise. Slice cucumbers into 2-inch lengths. Use melon baller to scoop out the cucumber to make into small canoe-shapes. Spoon salmon mixture into pastry bag fitted with a with star tip, and pipe mixture into each cucumber "canoe." Top with a small amount of pineapple.

CUCUMBER CUPS WITH SALMON MOUSSE

Steps:

• If cucumbers are waxed, peel them. Cut each crosswise into 5 (1 3/4-inch) pieces. With a small melon baller, carefully scoop out the insides of each piece, leaving a 1/4-inch border around the edge and a 1/2-inch border on the bottom. The cucumber cups may be prepared up to 4 hours in advance, arranged on damp paper towels, tightly covered and refrigerated.
• In the bowl of a food processor, combine the cream cheese, smoked salmon, lemon juice, orange water, paprika, cream and white paper and process until smooth. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
• To assemble spoon salmon mousse into a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip, pipe the mousse into the cucumber cups. Garnish with parsley or coriander sprig.

CUCUMBER SLICES WITH SALMON MOUSSE

Steps:

• Score the cucumber skins lengthwise with the tines of a fork; slice them cross-wise 1/2-inch thick, scoop out a small amount making a hole in the centers with a melon baller; sprinkle the cucumber rounds with a small amount of salt; set aside.
• In a mini processor or mixer combine the whipping cream and cream cheese, add the lime juice, shallot, dill, salt and pepper to taste. Fold in the smoked salmon.
• Just before serving place a mound of mousse in each cucumber round, garnish with dill weed and serve.

CUCUMBER TAPENADE CANAPES

Steps:

• In the center of each cucumber slice put 1/2 teaspoon of the tapenade, drape 2 of the pepper strips in an X over it, and garnish each canapé with a parsley leaf. The canapés may be made 30 minutes in advance and kept covered and chilled.

CUCUMBER-DILL MOUSSE

Steps:

• Spray 4-cup mold or bowl with cooking spray. Sprinkle gelatin on wine in 1-quart saucepan to soften. Heat over medium heat about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until gelatin is dissolved.
• Place 2 cups of the cucumbers and the remaining ingredients in blender or food processor. Cover and blend on high speed until smooth. Add gelatin mixture. Cover and blend 5 seconds.
• Pour into mold. Stir in remaining cucumber. Cover and refrigerate about 4 hours or until firm; unmold.