Cucumber and Onion Crispbread Sandwich

Today is one of those days that is absolutely frigid, but seems so clean and fresh! It’s 9 degrees F, but the sun is bright, the sky is blue and the little bit of snow sparkles. I call these days “Swedish Days” because I always think this is what Sweden must be like in winter-just gorgeous. Definitely puts me in the mood for something crisp and clean, like this open faced sandwich.

Ingredients (4 servings) :

For the cucumber and onion salad:

½ cup white vinegar

1 cup water

2 Tablespoons granulated sugar

2 cups thinly sliced cucumber

1 cup thinly sliced white onion

1 to 2 teaspoons dried dill

1 teaspoon capers

For assembly:

8 crispbreads (about 3 by 5 inches)-usually found by the crackers in the store

½ cup farmer’s cheese (or drained cottage cheese)

A few thinly sliced radishes

A few cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

Coarse sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Directions:

Make the salad by combining the vinegar, water and sugar in a non-reactive, microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute or until the sugar dissolves. Add in the cucumber, onion, dill and capers and let marinate in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. This salad gets better over time, so if you can let it marinate longer, please do so.

Place the crisp breads on a work surface and divide the farmer’s cheese evenly between them, spreading it out to the edges. Lift some of the salad out of its liquid and let the excess liquid drip off. Place on top of the farmer’s cheese then top with a few radish slices, a piece or two of cherry tomato and sea salt and pepper to taste.

So, now that the recipe is done, I just want to say that I am so thrilled with finding Lifeway® Farmer’s Cheese. I got it on a whim when I saw it at Fresh Thyme® market, which is similar to a Lucky’s®, if you have one of those close. Anyway, it is worth searching out—it is so rich, creamy and tangy. Plus, it is probiotic, has 40 calories for 2 Tablespoons, with only 1.5 grams of fat and 3 grams of protein. Pretty damn impressive.

I also was happy to find Kavli® Crispy Thin All Natural Whole Grain Crispbread. Three (count ‘em 3!) pieces is only 50 calories, with no fat, no cholesterol and 2 grams of fiber.