Philly Chinatown Oriental Ginger Cucumbers

YO....from from The Original Philadelphia Neighborhood Cookbook by Irina Smith and Ann Hazan. Ok so I feel homesick today..

• Ready In: 12 hrs
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 3 -4  unwaxed cucumbers, sliced
• 1  tablespoon salt

• marinade

• 3 -4  slices fresh ginger, slivered
• 1⁄2 cup white vinegar
• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1⁄2 cup water
• 1  tablespoon  dark sesame oil
•  toasted sesame seeds, garnish
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  hot chili flakes (optional)

Directions

1. If the cukes are waxed? You gotta peel them.
2. Go for unwaxed.
3. Combine the salt and cucumbers and allow to sit for 1 hour. Rinse thoroughly under cold.
4. water and pat dry. Place in a bowl.
5. In a small saucepan, heat together the ginger, vinegar, sugar, water and oil. Bring to a boil, then pour over cucumbers.
6. Marinate at least overnight.
7. To serve, garnish with toasted sesame seeds.
8. Variation Add 1/2-1 teaspoon of hot chili flakes to the marinade. Note? That is HOT chili flakes. You have been warned.