Clams and Cucumbers

OK - i just got an email requesting this one, I guess we could not wait - I serve this as a started course - Here it is;

Clams with Cucumbers

Ingredients

2 large cucumbers, striped pealed, quartered and sliced
3 large onions, pealed. quartered and sliced or 10 shallots pealed and sliced
8 sprigs of Thyme - use the entire sprig do not remove leaves
1/3 cup fresh dill, chopped stems removed
1/4 cup of chocolate mint leaves, ribbon cut.
1 cup dry white wine
half stick of butter, un-salted
1/4 cup of half and half
1 cup grated asiago cheese
salt and pepper to taste
30 to 36 little necks clams or 40 to 50 cockles ( i like cockles with this sauce)


Directions

In a large deep pot over medium heat melt butter, once melted add onions or shallots and stir until butter started to caramelize the onions. Next add the wine and thyme, reduce heat to low, cover pot and simmer of 20 minutes.
Now add the dill, half and half and the asiago cheese, salt and pepper, stir, after 2 minutes increase heat to high, once at a boil drop in the clams or cockles and cover.
2 minutes into the process stir bring the clams from the bottom to the top.
3 minutes or when all the clams are about open stir again and add cucumbers.
Remove from heat and keep covered for 30 to 45 seconds. You want the cucumbers still crisp just warmed from the sauce
Add Mint and toss - serve right away.

I serve with mint and sorrel pop overs.

Enjoy cooking