Peasant Salad

Over the years we have developed our own style of salad, that is a variation of Israeli salad, traditional Bulgarian salad - Shopska salata, and some creativity.
 As the year goes by, we are going to share other versions of this salad, but as it is 104F outside and our garden started producing cucumbers here is the Summer version.

Ingredients:
1 medium tomato
1 or 2 Boston pickles or 1 Japanese cucumber
1 avocado
2-3 fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon finely chopped onion (sweet, Spanish, red, green - whatever is your hart's desire)
Feta Cheese

Directions:
1. Split the cucumber into quarters and chopped it up into thin triangles
2. Chop the tomato into small cubes
3. Chop the avocado into small cubes
4. Finely mince the basil leaves
5. Mix together  with the onions
6.  Grate some feta cheese on top - to taste
7. Season with olive oil, kosher salt, black paper and Aged Red Wine Vinegar to taste
8. Mix and serve with some good bread

It is a great side dish as well as a meal on it's own.

Zen Hut Watermelon Salad

We discovered this watermelon dessert quite by accident. It has been tested twice to great acclaim so now  I feel confident shearing it.

Ingredients:
1 seedless watermelon
3 limes
1/2 orange
2 tablespoons pealed fresh ginger root, crushed with the flat side of a knife or in a garlic press
1/2 fresh jalapeno pepper finely chopped, reserve membrane and seeds 
3 tablespoons candied ginger - finely chopped
Directions:
1. Fill a 2 quarts bowl with bite sized cubes or triangles of the watermelon (no rind) 
2. Transfer into a larger bowl (large enough to mix the watermelon without too much pressure) and chill.
3. Juice the limes and the orange and steep the jalapeno membrane and seeds and the fresh ginger in the juice (including the pulp) for about an hour and a half. 
 4. Pour the citrus juice mixture through a strainer over the melon and sprinkle with the candied ginger and the jalapenos - use your judgement - if the jalapeno is particularly evil you might have to use less - let your taste buds make the final decision and keep in mind that after an hour or so it will get milder. 
5. Mix gently, cover, and keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve. 
6. Mix one more time before serving, transfer into the 2 quarts bowl and ENJOY!

We have found it very refreshing and surprisingly delicious!