SAUTEED CUCUMBERS 20 small pickling (Kirby) cucumbers 1/2 cup butter 4 medium-size onions, peeled and coarsely chopped Salt to taste 1/2 cup plain yogurt, optional 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley.

Thick Barbecue Sauce Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 45 minutes 2 medium-size onions, chopped fine 3/4 cup Coca-Cola Classic 3/4 cup ketchup 2 tablespoons vinegar 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon salt.

For the filling: 1 large potato, about 1/2 to 3/4 pound 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 medium-size onion, chopped 16 ounces mushrooms, trimmed and minced (2 cups) Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

Arugula and Red Onion Salad 3/4 pound arugula leaves 1 medium-size red onion, cut into thin slices 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic 1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar 3 tablespoons olive oil Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

Onion Confit Total time: 1 hour 3 pounds sliced onions (about 4 medium-size onions) 1/3 cup olive oil 2/3 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar.

San Francisco New Joe's Special Preparation time: 8 minutes Cooking time: 14 minutes 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 medium-size onion, peeled and chopped 1 pound ground beef 1/2 teaspoon marjoram Salt and pepper to taste 10 ounces fresh spinach, washed and chopped 4 eggs, well beaten.

Spicy Tomato Sauce Preparation time: 15 minutes 2 cups coarsely chopped, peeled and seeded tomatoes 1 medium-size onion, coarsely chopped 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger 1 small fresh hot red chili, seeded and finely chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Beet Salad Total time: 2 hours 3 to 4 large beets (1 3/4 pounds), tops removed 1 medium-size onion (4 ounces), peeled, halved and very thinly sliced 1/2 cup sour cream 3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 teaspoons sugar 1 teaspoon salt.

Mix with 1 pound coarsely chopped cucumbers, 18 cherry tomatoes, halved, and 1 medium-size white onion, finely julienned.

Potatoes with Onions 4 medium-size potatoes 4 medium-size onions 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil.