Steve says:
Thanks again to all who replied to my request for a spicy fish dish. We had our company on Sunday evening and I served the Oriental-style Fish Stew. It was a big hit and even if I do say so myself, it was delicious. The first course was a cold cucumber soup, and I have sent the recipe in a separate email.

Ingredients:
(Serves 4)

• 1 English Cucumber peeled and diced (1/4 cup reserved for garnish)
• 1 avocado, pitted, peeled and diced (1/4 cup reserved for garnish)
• ½ teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilandro, plus sprigs for garnish
• 1 scallion, white and pale-green parts only, coarsely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 jalpeno, seeded and coursely chopped
• 1 cup nonfat plain yogurt (I used low fat sour cream)
• 1 cup cold water
• ½ teaspoon coarse salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1. Puree ingredients, except reserved garnishes, in a blender.
2. Divide soup and reserved cucumber and avocado among 4 bowls.
3. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate 30 minutes.
4. Garnish with cilantro sprigs.

One of my guests was lactose intolerant so I served him a cold mango-strawberry soup, which I have sent under a seperate mailing.

Contributed by Steve B (daytimer1947)