Philip Marlowe and Sauted Cucumbers

"On the smooth brown hair was a hat that had been taken from its mother too young."  -Philip Marlowe, The Little Sister

Raymond Chandler sure had his own way with words.  In this one sentence we have a picture of what this new client of his detective, Philip Marlowe's, was like.  A young woman trying to look older but only looking as if she were dressed in her mother's clothes.  Philip Marlowe summed her up in one look.  He was super cool.  As cool as a cucumber.

Cucumbers are also cool.  One of my new favorite ways to eat them is hot after being sautéd in butter.  A really good side dish for fish or lamb chops.  I successfully grew cucumbers this year and there is nothing like them freshly picked.  They stay a little crunchy when you cook them.

Sautéd Cucumbers


Serves 2 people


1 large or 2 small cucumbers
2 tbs. butter
1 tbs. olive oil
1/2 cup chicken stock (optional)
sea salt


Peel the cucumbers.  Cut them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.  Halve again and cut into 2"-3" lengths.  Melt the butter in a sauté pan with the olive oil.  Add the cucumbers and sauté until tender.  Season with sea salt.  They can be served at this point or if you want a little more sauce add the chicken stock and cook for a few minutes until it reduces and thickens.

Philip Marlowe and cucumbers.  Both pretty cool.


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