Pies and Plots

Writing Never Tasted So Sweet

  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Press
  • Contact
  • Books

Cucumbers, Tomatoes, and Onions

September 19, 2012

Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
Print
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Cucumbers, Tomatoes, and Onions

It’s almost been five years since my Granny died.  It doesn’t seem that long in some ways but so much longer in others.  Time has a funny way of tricking our minds like that.  The strange thing is, rather than missing her less and becoming less emotional over her death, the distance from it has only made me think of her more, wish she was here more.

I’ve changed a lot in the time since her death, become an adult.  I wish she were here to have serious conversations, keeping me company during the day when Mom is out and about.  She could be a friend, another person in my life that I could turn to when I needed another opinion or just an understanding ear.  We’d talk about more things, I’d respect her opinion more, I’d want to hear what she has to say and spend the whole day talking to her.  We’d cook and bake together, learning from each other.  I think that’s the time I’d value the most.  I wasn’t cooking or baking much at all when she was still here, so I don’t think I was ever in the kitchen with her, and that breaks my heart.

Other than a few memories here and there, I’ve forgotten many of the good times we shared.  She lived out of town, so our time together was limited, and unfortunately during her last few visits, the prime of her life was passing.  Seeing her not at her peak scared me away from her a bit, and it shouldn’t have.

Cucumbers, Tomatoes, and Onions

Tomatoes

The time surrounding her death was by far the worst of my life, as while she was in the hospital I was at home sick for a month, scared out of my mind.  I didn’t have the chance to process her death then, not able to fully comprehend what had happened and the lasting consequences of it.  I was more worried about growing physically and emotionally strong enough to eat real food and leave the house, so afraid more germs would attack me, making me sick all over again.

Perhaps five years later my brain is only beginning to deal with her death, her absence in my life, each night as I look at her memorial candle, a tear in my eye, begging her to help me, guide me, protect me, thanking her for doing so, telling her about my day, and apologizing for not treasuring her more when she was here and for only beginning to truly miss her over the past year or so.  I talk to her more frequently and honestly than I ever did and than perhaps any other person in my life.  I just wish she was there to answer.

I’ve told you before that Mom always talks about what an amazing cook she was, though I didn’t have much of an opportunity to taste her food.  But Cucumbers, Tomatoes, and Onions is something I remember her making sometimes when she’d visit.  I’ve always hated tomatoes, so I picked out the cucumbers and onions and was a seriously happy camper.  I do eat the tomatoes now, though don’t bring cooked tomatoes, pasta sauce, or pizza sauce anywhere near me.  I definitely prefer heirloom tomatoes, mostly because they tend to taste a lot less like tomatoes.  I used one heirloom from Frog Hollow (my favorite farm) and one from a local farmers’ market.  Though it has been a bit of a tough year for tomatoes, I’m actually finding the heirlooms have been of pretty amazing quality the past couple of weeks.  The beauty of the recipe is that even in winter when the tomatoes aren’t very good, the vinegar seriously improves them.

This is one of the easiest, healthiest side dishes, and is so perfect for this time of the year.  I make it at least once a week, and I bet you won’t be able to get enough after you try it either.  I even made a video, below, to show you just how easy it is.  So make a batch of this and think of the people in your life that you miss.  I’m having a bowl tonight for Granny.

Close Up Cucumbers, Tomatoes, and Onions

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cucumbers, Tomatoes, and Onions


★★★★★

5 from 3 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: Varies
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cucumber, English or regular, peeled and sliced thinly
  • 2 large tomatoes, cut into wedges
  • 1 onion, sweet or white, peeled and sliced thinly into half moons
  • 1 ½ cups white vinegar (I use Heinz)
  • 1 heaping tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (optional, I always omit it)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, place the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions (hence the name of the recipe). Add the vinegar, sugar, pepper, and salt if using. Stir to combine. Taste it to see if it is too sour, in which case you can add more sugar, or too sweet (it probably won’t be), in which case you can add more vinegar. Allow to sit up to 1 hour at room temperature for the flavors to marry or consume immediately. This recipe should not be stored or frozen.
  • Prep Time: 10 mins

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @piesandplots on Instagram

 

Filed Under: Savory Tagged With: Cucumbers, Healthy, Onions, Pepper, Savory, Side Dish, Tomatoes, Vinegar

« Fresh Pumpkin Muffins
Pumpkin Snack Cake with Frosting »

Comments

  1. Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says

    September 19, 2012 at 4:12 pm

    All of that stuff about your grandma is so sad, and so sweet. It’s always nice to have the memories-and I’m sure she’d be so proud of you. <3

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      September 20, 2012 at 3:11 pm

      Thanks, Kayle! I certainly hope she’s proud. It was tough to write, but I wanted people to know how much she meant, and still means, to me.

      Reply
  2. Joanna says

    September 19, 2012 at 8:45 pm

    What a nice post about Granny and I know she is watching over you and her entire family. I know she is very proud of you and I am too. She was such a good person and I miss her everyday. Thank you for writing such a nice tribute about her. When ever we have this recipe we think of her. It is one of our favorites.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      September 20, 2012 at 3:12 pm

      Thanks! I’m happy you thought it was nice. I believe she watches over me and hope she continues to, as I need her support and guidance.

      Reply
  3. Debbie Eccard says

    September 20, 2012 at 3:22 am

    Since today, September 19 is the five year anniversary of her death, this is a nice tribute to Gran’s memory. I too miss her most days and think of her when I make her dishes. Since we had a garden this year with cucumbers, onions and tomatoes, we made them many times. I too think of Paps as he was the gardener and I helped when he had his garden at our house. I have made this dish many times and will continue to do so. Thanks for passing it along to others.

    Love, Debbie

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      September 20, 2012 at 3:14 pm

      Thanks, Debbie! I’m glad you enjoyed my tribute. I don’t think of Papa as often but I try to keep them both never too far from my mind and my heart.

      Reply
  4. Reem | Simply Reem says

    September 20, 2012 at 3:40 am

    This post is so touching and well written, I was too very close to my grandmom. When she passed away I was very far n could not reach in time even for her funeral. As u said here each passing day sometime make the reality of loosing some you love more painful. But we can always cherish the moments we had with them, smile and I’m sure somewhere they will smile with us…
    Take care…

    Reply
    • Laura says

      September 20, 2012 at 3:15 pm

      Thanks for visiting, Reem and for leaving such a kind comment! Cherishing the memories is so important. I definitely believe our loved ones smile along with us. I’m sure your grandmom understood that you couldn’t be there and felt your love even from far away.

      Reply
  5. Dad says

    September 21, 2012 at 1:05 am

    I remember Granny making it many times. Your Mom and her would always argue about how much vinegar to put in.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      September 21, 2012 at 3:19 pm

      Yes, she made it pretty much every time she visited. I bet Granny had a knack for knowing exactly how much vinegar to use 🙂

      Reply
  6. Christina @ Sweet Pea's Kitchen says

    September 21, 2012 at 2:36 am

    What a very touching post! It is so wonderful to have and make recipes that remind us of our loved ones. 🙂

    Reply
    • Laura says

      September 21, 2012 at 3:19 pm

      Thanks, Christina! It is very important to have reminders of loved ones so they don’t vanish from our memories.

      Reply
  7. Rick says

    September 21, 2012 at 4:35 pm

    What a nice story.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      September 22, 2012 at 2:59 pm

      Thank you! I wanted to share with my readers about my amazing Granny!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Peach Pop Tarts says:
    October 3, 2012 at 1:55 pm

    […] it comes to food, I live in an alternate universe too.  I eat Cucumbers, Tomatoes, and Onions year round because vinegar makes inferior produce better.  Pumpkin desserts hit the table in the […]

    Reply
  2. Strawberry Crumb Cake | Pies and Plots says:
    December 16, 2013 at 3:21 pm

    […] are growing on me.  I can eat them as long as they’re in Cucumbers, Tomatoes, and Onions.  Drowning them in vinegar certainly helps. But I still hate them cooked.  And don’t come near […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Welcome to Pies and Plots. I’m Laura Dembowski, writer, baker, and fashionista sharing recipes, reviews, and tips to inspire you to enjoy life both inside and outside the kitchen.
…Read More

The Latest

Categories

piesandplots

Fashion 👡 👗Florida ☀️🌴 Fiction 🖋📚 Food 🎂🥩
#ootdshare #floridavibes #amwriting #bakersofinstagram

Laura Dembowski
So many things to be thankful for today and everyd So many things to be thankful for today and everyday 🧡  Thanksgiving will always be my reminder to be grateful for my move to Florida 🌴  Three Thankgivings ago I got on an airplane and never looked back. I'm so lucky I get to call this magical place home and share it with people I love and care about 💛 

#thanksgiving #grateful #thankful #happygirl #luckygirl #floridavibes #floridagirl #floridaholiday #floridathanksgiving #orlandoinfluencer #orlandoflorida #orlando #thecitybeautiful #resortlife #vacayvibes #strikeapose #model #blondehairdontcare #floridafall #winterpark #winterparkfl #ootdshare #styleblogger #stylish #fashionista #familytime #dressup #floridalife #livinginparadise #isthisreallife
In my celebration era since it's Mom's birthday 🎂 🎉 🍾  Karma is this one of a kind smart, strong, kind woman being the one I can count all day every day 💪 I hope today and all the days are awesome for you, Mom 💖 My days are better with you as a part of them 🌟

#ootdshare #fashionblogger #fashionistas #likemotherlikedaughter #momsofinstagram #momsarethebest #momsaresuperheroes #happybirthday #happybirthdaymom #lookgoodfeelgood #celebrate #happygirl #luckygirl #blondehairdontcare #floralprint #winterparkfl #floridagirl #floridavibes #familyphotography #familytime #strikeapose #model #styleblogger #redlipclassic #waldorfastoria #waldorforlando #winterpark #ageisjustanumber #momboss
Dirty Chai Banana Bread is my all-time favorite ba Dirty Chai Banana Bread is my all-time favorite banana recipe 💛

It's easy to make, is super comforting (especially during this dreary Orlando weather), and it screams Thanksgiving breakfast 🍂

The recipe is on the blog as always 🍌

#ontheblog #linkinprofile #comfortfood #grainfree #glutenfree #bananabread #bananabreadrecipe #bananarecipes #dirtychai #sugarspiceandeverythingnice #butfirstcoffee #f52grams #todayfood #yahoofood #buzzfeedfood #huffposttaste #bonappetit #imsomartha #bakefeed #thanksgivingrecipe #thanksgivingbreakfast #fallrecipe #paleobreakfast #paleorecipe #eatrealfood #eatdessertfirst #bakersofig #bakersgonnabake #breakfastofchampions
All the fall and Thanksgiving vibes with these But All the fall and Thanksgiving vibes with these Butter Tart Bars 🍁🍂🍁

This recipe adapted from @mary_berg3 is on the blog ❤️

#ontheblog #linkinprofile #ambaking #bakersofig #fallbaking #fallvibes #thanksgivingvibes #thanksgivingrecipe #thanksgivingdessert #falldessert #raisins #pecans #imsomartha #buzzfeedfood #huffposttaste #thekitchn #comfortfood #gooeydessert #cookiebar #eatrealfood #paleodessert #paleorecipe #grainfree #glutenfree #eatdessertfirst #buttertart #buttertartbars #maplesyrup #todayfood
Since it's November I can post all the holiday pho Since it's November I can post all the holiday photos and start dreaming about spending as much of the season as humanly possible at the Ritz right??? 🎄✨🎄

#ontheblog #linkinprofile #ootdshare #lookgoodfeelgood #fashionista #fashionstyle #styleblogger #christmasfashion #holidaydress #holidayfashion #christmasvibes #holidayvibes #rcmemories #ritzcarlton #ritzcarltonorlando #teddybeartea #teatime #afternoontea #strikeapose #model #blondehairdontcare #redlipclassic #partydress #fancydress #smokeyeyes #gingerbreadhouse #floridachristmas #floridaholidays #orlandoinfluencer
Still can't believe I got to meet Bryan Cranston a Still can't believe I got to meet Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul last night!  I'm a huge fan of both of them after watching Breaking Bad, and I love Dos Hombres mezcal 🍹  They are super nice guys and took their time chatting and taking photos with everyone there. I'm so thrilled I got to attend this event and that it was at the Waldorf, one of my favorite places 🌴💚 The signed and engraved bottle is a fabulous keepsake from an unforgettable evening ✨️

#breakingbad #doshombres #doshombresmezcal #bryancranston #aaronpaul #cheersyall #mezcallovers #waldorforlando #waldorfastoria #orlandoflorida #orlando #orlandoinfluencer #thecitybeautiful #takemeback #bestnightever #likemotherlikedaughter #nightout #lookgoodfeelgood #blondehairdontcare #ootdshare #sequindress #partydress #happygirl #luckygirl #isthisreallife #floridagirl #resortlife #memories #strikeapose
Load More... Follow on Instagram
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Pies and Plots · Web Design by Viva la Violet