Cucumber Boats s

[Mama Mangia]

Cucumber Boats

Cucumbers should be uniform in size. Wash, pare and cut in half lengthwise. Scoop out seeds, sprinkle center with salt, onion salt and black pepper which have been mixed together; chill. When ready to serve, fill center with chicken, shrimp, tuna or any salad mixture you prefer. Serve with salad crackers on a bed lettuce. Serve a small dollop of mayo on the side.
And don't be afraid to use your imagination!!

[jglass]

I will def try this. Thanks for the tip!

[cookie]

That is really different, I use a cucumber like a cracker, slice them in (rounds) top it of with crab-meat, tuna, or dip it's really Good. Cookie

[Mama Mangia]

I'm a "stuffer" - I loved stuffed cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes, etc. And now that the weather is finally getting better - I will be stuffing quite a bit of things.

[cookie]

That's a Good idea "Cucumber Boats" I will have to give this a try.

Thanks for your idea Mama. Cookie

[Mama Mangia]

That's a Good idea "Cucumber Boats" I will have to give this a try.

Thanks for your idea Mama. Cookie

You're very welcomed!

(stick with me kid and I'll have you stuffin' everything! LOL)

[cookie]

Mama, I had the Best Cannoli yesterday, got one to go for Desert. I love the pistachio. I never made Cannoli before but they are so Good! What is in the filling of a cannoli? Do you have to make your own pastry shell? Cookie

[Mama Mangia]

You can buy the shells frozen of you want.

Most likely - this is what you had:

1-3/4 Cups Flour, approximately
1 Tablespoon Sugar
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
3 Tablespoons Wine Vinegar
1 Egg
1 Tablespoon Butter Or Margarine, at room temperature


1 Pound Ricotta Cheese
1/2 Cup Confectioner's Sugar
1/4 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
2 Tablespoons Finely Minced Candied Orange Peel (optional)
3 Tablespoons Chocolate
1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
2 Tablespoons Orange Curacao (optional)
1 Egg White, to brush
1/4 Cup Chopped Pistachio, or
Other Nuts To Garnish (optional)
1 Tablespoon Confectioner's Sugar, to sprinkle
Oil, for deep frying

.
Dough: 1. Use your electric mixer. In a mixing bowl measure 1 cup flour,
sugar, salt and cinnamon.. Attach bowl and dough hook. Turn to medium-slow
speed and blend for approximately 45 seconds. With the mixer running, add
vinegar, water, egg and butter. Mix to blend for 2 to 3 minutes. Add
remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, as needed to make a dough that clings to
the hook.

2. Knead for 5 minutes. If dough clings to the sides of the bowl, add
sprinkles of flour. Dough will be smooth and elastic.

3. Wrap the soft dough in foil or plastic and refrigerate to relax and chill
for at least 1 hour.

4. Heat at least 2 inches of vegetable oil to 375 degrees.

5. Place dough on a floured work surface and roll extremely thin-- 1/16 inch
or less! Don't rush. When the dough pulls back, allow it to relax. If it
softens and sticks, return it to the frig for 5 or 10 minutes. Cut 4 1/2
inch circles (size of a many small margarine tub lids!) Roll the dough
scraps out and continue until all dough is used. You should have 12 to 14
circles.

6. When the circles are cut, roll again just before placing on the cannoli
tubes. This will give them an oval shape, about 5 inches by 4 1/2 inches.

7. Place the dough so that its longest dimension is the length of the metal
tube. Brush the tip of the dough with egg white to seal. Toll dough on the
tube.

8. Deep frying. The length of time will depend of the thickness of the
shells. A very thin shell will need about 2 minutes. A thicker shell could
require up to 6 minutes. Fry two or three at a time. Turn over once during
frying. Fry until golden brown. Remove with tongs. Cool for a few minutes
and then push the tubes free to use again. Cool shells completely before
filling.

Filling:

1. Cream ricotta cheese in a bowl with a spatula or wooden spoon or with an
electric mixer until smooth, about 5 minutes. Add confectioners' sugar,
vanilla, candied fruit, chocolate, cinnamon and orange curacao. Continue
beating another 4 or 5 minutes. Refrigerate until ready to fill shells.

2. Use a small spoon to stuff the filling into the shells. Dip the ends in
chopped nuts. Sift confectioners' sugar over the shells and serve.

3. Unfilled shells can be stored in a cool, dry place for three to four
weeks, or frozen for three months



I love to make them - and in my filling (I make several different kinds) I use candied fruits, nuts, chocolate chips, etc.

[cookie]

Thanks Mama, Yum! Cookie

[Mama Mangia]

You're very welcomed! Enjoy!