It’s easy to get in a cooking rut making the same handful of recipes all the time. One trip to the farmers’ market is all I need to come back invigorated. Here’s some new inspiration for 4th of July entertaining.

One farmers’ market vendor was sampling pickling cucumbers seasoned with a few simple ingredients. My whole family sampled this crisp, fresh treat, and kids and grown-ups alike were clamoring for me to buy the ingredients and make these new pickles.

These can be made ahead and make a great appetizer for guests to snack on while the barbecue heats up.

Ingredients:

3 pickling cucumbers (about 1 pound total or slightly less)
Juice of 1/2 a lime
1 teaspoon of finely grated onion
1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
Scant 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
Several fine grinds of fresh cracked black pepper
2 small pinches of white granulated sugar

Directions:

1. Wash and peel the cucumbers. Cut them into bite-sized chunks. Here’s how I did it: I sliced the cucumbers lengthwise into quarters, then sliced crosswise into small chunks that are somewhat triangular in shape.

2. Place the cucumbers in a bowl. Sprinkle the remaining ingredients on the cucumbers, and stir to combine evenly.

3. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to a few days.

courtesy of: http://foodiegoeshealthy.com/new-pickles-and-4th-of-july/