Instructions: Brush the bacon steaks with oil and cook them under a preheated moderate grill for 45 minutes on each side.

While they are cooking make the sauce.

Cook the diced cucumber in boiling salted water for 3 minutes then drain it thoroughly and toss on kitchen paper to dry.

Melt the butter stir in the flour and stir over moderate heat for 30 seconds.

Gradually pour on the milk stirring all the time and bring the sauce to the boil.

Simmer for 3 minutes.

Stir the cucumber cream and chives into the sauce and add salt pepper and cayenne to taste. Spoon a little of the sauce on to the bacon steaks to garnish and serve the rest separately.

Small new potatoes and a green vegetable such as broccoli spears will cook in the same time.

Serves 4

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