In deference to the title of this recipe, I’m going to make this portion of the preface simple too. Make this old-fashioned salad next time you need a salad that can be whipped together in no time at all. And I know, the following paragraphs have absolutely nothing to do with salad, but we are living through strange times, and as your friend, I want to share with you other aspects of my life.    

So, first, sorry I haven’t written any book reviews for a while, but I have been re-reading Jacqueline Winspear’s series featuring Maisie Dobbs and enjoying them as much a second time, as I did the first time. I am on book 15 in the series entitled “To Die but Once”.

It’s war time in Europe, 1940, and many underage young men in England, as in other European countries being threatened by Nazi Germany, are being accepted into service to defend their country as they might. And in talking about the war and what it means to all involved, Maisie remembers what someone in her past had quoted regarding not only war but greed. “Where there’s muck, there’s brass. A simple line, an aphorism that seemed to suggest the selling of manure. But it had a meaning that went so much deeper, alluding to the fact that where you find filth – where you find dirt, where you find the detritus of life – you’ll also discover someone making a profit. Much money can be made from the dirtiest jobs. Muck and money go together.”

And it made me reflect on what is currently happening to our country at the hands of just a few rich individuals in Washington DC. That the elimination of certain government-run services such as the postal service and social security, and privatizing them, would surely put yet more money in the hands of the rich. And in doing so, it would undoubtedly lower the standard of living for so many of our citizens.

There is also another term or saying defining greed and the love of money that is being all to aptly demonstrated by our current administration. “Filthy lucre.” 

“Filthy lucre” refers to money, especially when it’s perceived as being obtained dishonestly or through immoral means. It carries a negative connotation, implying that the money is not earned fairly or is associated with questionable activities. The phrase “filthy lucre” in scripture, primarily found in the King James Version of the Bible, refers to dishonest or corrupt gain, often associated with false teaching or greed. It appears in 1 Timothy 3:3 and 3:8, and Titus 1:11. The term is used to warn against the dangers of prioritizing financial gain over genuine service and integrity. 

So, if you are one of those people who really doesn’t understand that what our current administration is only concerned about is acquiring more wealth and power, please step outside your comfort zone, and read what truly learned men and women are saying about the reality of our perilous situation.

But for those of you who get it and are often anxious about what’s happening, please know you are not alone. We are all in this together. We must stay strong. We must stay positive. And we must not give up.

Peace and love to all.         

½ c. plain Greek yogurt  

2 sm. garlic cloves, minced

½ tsp. dried dill weed

½ tsp. kosher salt, or more to taste

freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp. white vinegar (the old-fashioned kind)

¼ c. finely chopped onion

1 English cucumber

Combine yogurt, garlic, dill, salt, pepper, and vinegar in a small salad bowl. Add the onion and cucumber which has been partially peeled, cut in half lengthwise, seeded, then sliced into ¼-inch thick half-moons. Taste and adjust seasoning and serve cold.