Ogurtsy V Smetane (Cucumbers in Sour Cream) makes a nice summer salad, particularly when other green vegetables are difficult to obtain.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings, or more as a zakuska

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 to 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 4 tablespoons snipped fresh chives
• 2 tablespoons snipped fresh dill (or 2 teaspoons dried dill)
• Freshly ground white pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons salt

Preparation:

1. If the cucumbers have been waxed, peel them; otherwise, wash them well but leave the peel on.
2. Slice the cucumbers very thin and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. Mix together the remaining ingredients, adding vinegar to taste.
4. Stir in the cucumbers.
5. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before refrigerating. Serve well chilled.