Light, refreshing and mild in flavour, the understated cucumber has been a long-standing favourite in salads but cucumbers are surprisingly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways from soups to sautees. Here are 8 unique ways to prepare cucumbers... you might be surprised!

Cucumber Salad with Balsamic Dressing
(2-3 servings)

2 or 3 medium cucumbers
4 tablespoon light mayo (do not use fat free)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon fresh garlic
sea salt to taste
fresh ground black pepper to taste

Peel cucumbers and cut in half or quarter lengthwise, and then into slices and place in serving bowl. In a separate small bowl, combine mayo, balsamic vinegar, sugar, lemon juice, and garlic. Whisk together. Pour dressing over cucumbers and season with sea salt and pepper. This salad can be served immediately or chilled for an hour or two before serving.

Creamy Cold Cucumber Soup

4 servings, about 1 cup each
Active Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
4 cups peeled, seeded and thinly sliced cucumbers, divided
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth, or reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 avocado, diced
1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onion, stirring occasionally, 1 to 4 minutes or until tender. Add lemon juice and continue cooking for 1 minute. Add 3 3/4 cups cucumber slices, broth, pepper, salt and cayenne. Bring to a slow boil, then quickly reduce heat and simmer about 6 to 8 minutes until the cucumbers are tender.

Pour the hot soup into a blender. Add avocado and parsley and blend on low speed until smooth. (Be careful when pureeing hot liquids.) Pour mixture into a serving bowl and stir in yogurt. Chop the remaining 1/4 cup cucumber slices. Soup can be served warm or refrigerated and served chilled. Garnish with the chopped cucumber and more chopped parsley, just before serving.

Cucumber Lemonade

1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 lemon
5 cups water
Sugar to taste

Puree the cucumber and water in a blender. Strain. Add juice of lemon and sugar. Serve over ice.

Cucumber Salad Dressing

1 pint plain yogurt
1/2 small cucumber
(about 1/3 cup)
1 small onion
(about 4 tablespoons)

Blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender.

Cucumber Dip

1 cup plain yogurt
1 cucumber (peeled & grated or minced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon dried mint or dill
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together. Chill for at least 30 minutes. Amounts can be adjusted to individual tastes. Serve with chips, pita bread or crackers.

Cucumber Sandwiches

1 oz. lowfat cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon lowfat sour cream
1 1/2 teaspoons. chopped chives
Salt and pepper to taste
4 slices mild wheat bread
1/2 large cucumber, peeled and sliced thin
Chive for garnish

Mix together first 4 ingredients and spread evenly over 2 slices of bread, saving about a teaspoon of the spread for garnish. Top with cucumbers, and remaining 2 slices of bread. Using a sharp knife, cut the crusts off the edges. Cut sandwiches into 2 triangles or rectangles. To garnish, place a dab of remaining spread on top of each triangle or rectangle and add a bit of chives.

Cucumber and Lemon Jam

3 lb. green cucumbers
3 fresh lemons
2 lb sugar
1 pint water

Wash cucumbers well. They may be peeled or not as desired. Slice cucumbers thinly.  Sprinkle lightly with salt and allow to sit for about 3 or 4 hours. Drain the water which the salt has drawn.

Meanwhile, roughly cut the lemons and boil in a covered pan for 45 minutes. Strain the liquid into a preserving pan, add the cucumber (washed and drained) and cook for 15 minutes. Next add the sugar, and finish the cooking rapidly in an open pan. Usual time 15 to 20 minutes after adding the sugar.

Sauteed Asian Cucumbers

2 cucumbers (sliced)
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon fresh ginger

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, saute briefly. Add sliced cucumbers and stir frequently for about 2 minutes until they begin to brown. Add soy sauce. Stir and remove from heat. Place in a bowl, drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with sesame seeds.

Try these and many other favorites at Balduccino's in Nassau

Both the Dutch and French sides of St. Maarten/St. Martin offer a wide variety of dining options, and Dutch St. Maarten alone has more than 300 restaurants to choose from. Here are some of the best:

Mr. Busby's

Located on St. Maarten's eastern shore at Dawn Beach, this beachside restaurant serves breakfast and lunch daily. The menu ranges from salads and cold sandwiches (like crabmeat, chicken, tuna or delectable clubs) to grilled specialties such as mahi mahi, shrimp, grilled lobster, burgers, hot dogs, and baby back ribs. During the evening, Mr. Busby's is transformed into an Italian restaurant known as Daniel's By The Sea.

Temptation

Located at the Atlantis World Casino, Temptation features "Nouveau Caribbean" cuisine served against a waterfall backdrop accompanied by piano music. Menu options include popped black bean crusted sashimi grade tuna, hoisin-lime glazed pork tenderloin, and the "Mc Dino's" tempura apple pie. The restaurant also includes an elegant outdoor bar area.

Rare

Rare, also located at the Atlantis World Casino, is one of the most acclaimed steakhouses in St. Maarten and known for its top-quality USDA prime steaks, from 12-oz filet mignons to 28-oz porterhouse steaks. There are a variety of sauces and creative side dishes to choose from, such as chili-garlic fries, truffled mac 'n' cheese, and Vidalia onion rings served with rhubarb ketchup and wasabi hollandaise.

Bamboo Bernies

Bamboo Bernies recently moved to the five-star Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino complex at Maho Bay and has been transformed into an ultra-sleek bar/restaurant. The Buddha Lounge serves food and drinks into the early hours of the morning amidst stylish Asian décor. The wine list includes an extensive selection of sake and shakes to compliment world-class sushi prepared by master chefs from New York and Los Angeles.

Taste of Bliss

Located inside the Caravanserai Beach Resort within walking distance of the Maho strip, Bliss combines open-air seating in a tropical setting with exotic plants and private cabanas. The Taste of Bliss menu includes fresh oysters in vodka shot glasses, gilled sirloin, lobster bruschetta and baked salmon. Bliss is also one of St. Maarten's most popular after-hours night spots.

Chesterfield's

This nautically themed, open-air restaurant is an excellent place to enjoy a relaxed meal overlooking Great Bay in Philipsburg. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner at a reasonable price, Chesterfield's main fare includes steak and seafood.

The Greenhouse

The Greenhouse was established in 1986 in Philipsburg and offers a laid back, yet lively atmosphere with an outside terrace, tranquil breezes and a picturesque view of the harbor. Menu options include steak, ribs, lobster and fresh seafood. The Greenhouse recently opened a second location in Simpson Bay, next to the Atrium Resort.

Ocean Lounge

Situated in the center of Philipsburg, the Holland House Beach Hotel's open-air lounge is one of the most stylish spots on the island. Dining options include an inventive selection of light snacks like zucchini soup shooters, salmon and caper bruschetta, and tonka bean crème brûlée. Live music sets the mood for a relaxing meal.

Oualichi Beach Bar & Restaurant

Located on the Philipsburg boardwalk, Oualichi provides fantastic views of incoming cruise ships from its outdoor terrace, and also features a nautically-themed dining room. This popular hangout is well known for its pizza and offers casual fare such as sandwiches and wraps.

Taloula Mango's

This casual beachfront restaurant serves a variety of sandwiches, seafood, beef, pasta, vegetarian entrées, and some of the best ribs on the island. On weekdays, lunch is accompanied by live music, and on Friday evenings guests can enjoy happy hour with a live DJ.
By Robert Curley

Courtesy of About.com