Cooking Recipes and Gastronomical Information

Slovakian Cooking RecipesRecently separating from the Czech Republic, Slovakians are regaining their cultural influence and, like any great country, realizing the strong influence of their neighbors. With Hungarians to the south, Czechs to the West and Ukrainians to the east, there is a strong cultural influence coming in from everywhere, and the fusion of crossroads as well as a strong folkloric, agrarians heartland make for a wonderful culture, with wonderful food.

Simmered Zucchini
This delightful dish brings you a taste of the

· 4 Medium Zucchini
· 2 Tomatoes
· 4 tablespoons oil
· 2 tablespoons rosemary
· 2 cloves of pressed garlic
· pinch of salt
· 1 teaspoon white pepper, freshly ground

Cut the zucchini into moderately thick strips and remove the seeds, sauté the zucchini with oil and salt and nothing more, flipping constantly to avoid excessive browning or burning. Pour boiling water over the tomato and immediately remove the tomato (after about fifteen seconds, actually) before rinsing it with cold water. Skin and cube the tomato, then add it to the zucchini, along with the spices and the garlic. Serve hot – this yields 4 helpings.

Slovakian Cucumber Salad
This brisk summertime treat will cool you off and provide delicious nourishment, a lovely salad made especially for the sweltering Slovakian summertime.

Ingredients:
· Cucumbers, roughly one per head
· Pinch of salt
· pinch of Paprika
· 3 tablespoons white vinegar
· 1 tablespoon sugar

Directions:
Peel, rinse and thinly slice the cucumbers, then add them to a bowl with the sugar, salt and vinegar, tossing well. Add a paprika to create a zesty, colorful, authentically Slovakian cucumber salad.