Cucumber Salad

 Recipes that don't provide actual measurements are never my favourites, as I'm bound to overdo the ingredients, but this one made an excellent salad, even if I had to do some guesswork.

-seedless cucumbers, cut up as you wish
-dressing: apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, kosher salt, whisked together
-mix-ins: red pepper flakes for heat, 2 tablespoons minced onion, fresh dill, sesame seeds, celery seeds, or any fresh herbs. Take your pick.
-can add shredded carrots, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, blueberries
-any dressing will do: lemon vinaigrette or poppy seed, crumbled feta cheese, parmesan cheese, chopped nuts, sliced avocado
-for protein, add blackened chicken, sweet chili salmon, or sweet and spicy grilled shrimp

The salad is best served right away.

This was found online and I didn't note the source.

Vickie's Garlic Butter Croutons

 375F oven
400F air fryer

4 cups bread cubes (old bread)
4 tablespoons melted butter
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp dried parsley

Toss and bake 12 to 18 minutes, stirring often. Adjust or add seasoning to taste. 
Cool in an airtight container; make sure they're dry or they'll mould. 

Vickie uses heavy rye bread. I use whole-wheat bread crusts that often end up left in the loaf bag; I freeze them until there are at least 4 slices (which usually make 4 cups when cubed).

 Who needs crackers in soup when there are croutons?

Chili Sauce or Ketchup

 I added a small can of tomato paste to this and simmered it till it was thick enough to use in place of ketchup. 

1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp garlic, minced
1/2 tsp dried chili flakes
1/2 cup water

Over medium heat, stir till sugar dissolves and simmer to desired consistency. Remember that it will be thicker when cool. 

If you want to use this sauce to drizzle over shrimp, for example, skip the tomato paste. I didn't strain out the garlic bits, but you might like to. I also was out of chili flakes and substituted chili powder.