
This morning I opened my eyes up to another sunny summer day. I cannot tell you how happy sunny days make me. There is just something so wonderful about waking up to the warmth of sunshine on your face. It always leaves me feeling energized and ready to start the day.

The fist thing I do after waking up is open all the windows in the house. Well, all except Joanie and Chachi’s windows. I love feeling the summer breeze flow through the flat. Outside I hear people bustling about. The sounds of children running by, playing and laughing can be heard throughout the day.

At midday I poked my head out the window, there were so many people strolling by. There’s a mother pushing a stroller, and children walking behind her licking gelato cones. Those scenes often repeated throughout the day. Today as I watched the children I could feel that summer enthusiasm I once had as a child. You know, that feeling you get when school is out and the summer is yours to do whatever you please.

I began thinking about my sisters and brothers. How we spent our summer days running around, cooling off at the pool, going for ice cream, eating our favorite summer foods, and all the family picnics. I started to remember how we loved to eat cucumbers drizzled with fresh lime juice, sprinkled with loads of chile powder and a pinch or two of salt. After all the cucumbers were gone then we’d lift up the bowl to our mouths and drink the remaining juices.

Recalling those summer memories made me miss my siblings and also made my mouth water for some pepinos. Since my family lives on the other side of the world, and I can’t just stop by for a visit, I decided to snack on some cucumbers. There really isn’t much of a recipe. Ingredient amounts are a matter of personal preference. But below is a what you’ll need.

Pepinos Con Chile y Limon Or Cucumbers with Chile and Lime
peeled cucumber, sliced or cut into spears or chunks
lime juice
chile powder or Tajin or any Mexican fruit seasoning powder
salt
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and enjoy as a snack. I like to add chile powder as I eat. Some bites have more and other’s less chile, it’s up to you. Don’t forget to drink the juice left at the bottom, it’s the best part.

Each bite satisfied my belly and made my heart content. I think these cucumbers will forever remain a favorite summertime snack and memory.
P.S.
Please come back on Wednesday for another special guest post.
















{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }
A great combination! So fresh and summery.
Cheers,
Rosa
Thanks Rosa!
What lovely memories of summer! I love the flavors you paired with cucumbers here, a perfect bite!
Thank you Laura! The flavors are very typically Mexican.
Perfect summer treat! The pictures are making me to watch them over and over! Gorgeous shots…:)
Thank you so much:)
I have dozens of cucumbers in my garden that I don’t know what to do with. Thanks for this!
Hi Julie,
Oh too bad I’m not your neighbor, because I could help you with all those cucumbers:)
How many plates of these (or jícama) have I made for my son? Countless. Hundreds. A standard Mexican snack as in “Mom, do you think you could make me a snack plate of cucumbers with tajin?” Maybe thousands.
Hi Victoria,
Ay, no me digas de jicama! It’s my favorite but can’t get it here. Your son has great tastes;)
The watery freshness of cucumbers always remind me of growing up in tropical Philippines! We would suck on these veggies (or fruits) to keep us cool!
So Philippinos are just like Mexicans:)
I love this simple cucumber recipe…so delicious and refreshing on a hot summer’s day. I have those same sorts of childhood memories…most of it done with bare feet…such fun we had.
Hi Liz,
Me too, I like to let the cucumbers shine in the recipes. Oh yes, barefoot summers can’t forget that;)
mmm so lovely for the summer time. chile, lime, and salt are the trifecta of perfect seasoning.
It really is:) Thanks Anna
I hear you, I love the feeling of sun on my skin and summer is filled with great memories from childhood.
Thanks Sylvie:)
I missed my sisters too when I lived in Italy but fortunately we are all together again. I’m afraid I don’t like cucumber but I sure do like your photos.
That’s great and I’m happy for you Suzanne. It’s okay about not liking cucumbers, my hubby sides with you;)
Love cucumbers; love the simplicity of the very attractive salad! Fascinated by the black/gold-toned spoon and fork you have used. I collected similar in the olden days from Thailand – may I ask from where your beautiful pieces come? [or have I read too fast and missed this?]
Hi Eha,
Wow, I love how much attention you paid to my utensils and photos:) Yes, in fact they are from Thailand. Well, I actually bought them in a antique shop here in Prague, but they say Thailand. I don’t think they are actual antiques, didn’t cost too much, but I did fall in love with them.
Incredibly easy yet it’s completely new flavor on cucumbers that I’m so curious to try! I am with you – sometimes I miss my home and my family, but cooking really helps to cope with some homesickness. :-) Hope you get to see your family soon!
Yes really so easy and perfect for the summer. I feel the same way Nami. When I cook a childhood dish it comforts me and makes me feel like my family is close by. Then if my husband really enjoys the food then it makes it that much better. Thanks and I hope you too;)
What a stunning photos, i would love to grab the food.
Thanks!
Que rico! This looks really good especially since I am obsessed with cucumbers. There is such a cooling sensation about cucumbers!
Gracias Natalie!
Childhood food memories are so wonderful! I have never tried cucumbers this way… but I do eat mangos, pineapples and sour apples almost exactly like this…. Now I have to give my favorite cucumbers a spicy kick. :)
Hi Ramona,
They really are, good for the soul too. You eat fruit like Mexicans then:)
Hi Nancy! This post reminded me of my childhood summers. My sisters and I loved sliced cucumbers drizzled with lemon juice and sprinkled with salt. They were so refreshing. I would love to make your version soon–the chile and lime would be a hit with my taste buds, no doubt! :)
Hi Jean,
Thanks and I hope you try them soon:)
I have a pulse, he he, or at least I think that’s what it is. I’ve never tried the cucumbers with the lime and chile only the fruit. Need to change that, huh. I opened my windows to hear an owl hooting away this morning, that made me really happy. Been thinking about you and hoping all is well.
-Gina-
Haha Gina:) Oh how neat is that? I’ve never had an owl out my window. I’ve been thinking of you too. Hope you are okay, hugs!
What a simple and delightful recipe. Very happy to come across your blog!
Thanks Kelly:)
Gorgeous snack! So simple and healthy, but so pretty that it would feel like a very special occasion! You are brilliant, as always, Nancy :-)
Thanks Elana:)
I could eat cucumbers every day, this simple recipe is perfect for summertime;-)
What a wonderful snack and sounds like such a perfect morning! Children do bring back the enthusiasm for such simple things that we often forget :)
What a great idea for a snack!
Thank you!
This is my childhood on a plate, love them!!
Mine too:)
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