@lioness - I referred to making cucumber soup from my garden bounty over on the walking group, and you asked for the recipe - it fits better here, so here it is (handed down from my mother-in-law, now in heaven, and probably her mother before) It is perfect for using up those slightly too large and seedy for nice slicing cukes that hide in the foliage. All measures approximate - we use what we have on hand. Some people also add green peppers, but we don't care for them.

Large onion (or to taste) minced and sauted until translucent in the soup pot
3-4 large cucumbers, peeled and sliced (big chunks OK)
4-6 small-medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1.5 quarts any soup stock - homemade or store bought If I use the 1 qt carton, I add 2 c water
Salt & pepper to taste
Browned flour roux or cornstarch & water for thickening
1/2 cup (about) rice or white wine vinegar
Other seasoning of choice - such as 1Tbsp dry mustard, 1 tbsp summer savory, 1-2 cloves minced garlic...

Simmer the veggies together in the soup stock until mushy 45 min or longer, then mash (I use an old potato masher) - will be a little lumpy
Add roux or cornstarch mixture a little at a time while stirring over low heat until thickened - a little thicker than good gravy
Add vinegar and adjust thickening and seasoning to taste.

Serve with a blob of sour cream or sprinkling of shredded cheese on top, and grilled cheese sandwiches on the side.

By the way - At the end of the season, we peel and freeze a few bags of cucumbers to make this dish in winter - wonderful after being out in the cold!
We also wash, core and freeze extra tomatoes (no blanching or peeling needed) for making soup and chili - just take out the skins as they rise to the top when cooked. My Mom called this "lazy woman's canning", but in reality she was raising 6 kids and working 2 jobs, so I think of it as "desperation canning" - we were lucky to have a huge upright freezer.
Sue
PS Who else wants to share their favorite from the garden" recipe? Especially one that uses excess or just-beyond-perfect veggies

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