For the second year, the garden at Children of Mine in Southeast D.C. is thriving. This collaboration of From the Ground Up in the Community and Children of Mine teaches children in urban areas about the importance of healthy eating, nutrition and growing fresh produce. To kick-off our summer healthy eating series of recipes, below is a favorite of the children in our FGU program. Try it for yourself and let us know how you like it.
Cucumber Salad with Fresh Grated Coconut
Tamales World Tour Show; c. 1997, M.S. Milliken & S. Feniger
Serves 6
Kaila was our resident cucumber expert last year!
4 cucumbers, peeled, seeded and diced
3 tomatoes, cored, seeded and diced
2 carrots, peeled and grated
1 serrano chile, finely chopped
2/3 c. fresh grated coconut
1/2 c. finely chopped, lightly toasted peanuts
1/2 – 1 teaspoon sugar
1 – 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Cilantro leaves for garnish
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Spoon onto individual plates. Garnish with cilantro and serve. This also tastes good with a dollop of strained yogurt.