{in the pot} first gazpacho

Gazpacho is truly the taste of summer. Zippy, fresh, healthy. You can taste the sun in each tomato.

With a dollop of cool sour cream and a crouton... it is the best!

Unfortunately I am the only one in my family that enjoys it!

Ok maybe lily will join me in spirit!

It is so simple.

I like dill or really any fresh herb to taste ... oooh and a tad of cumin.

Gazpacho by ann (& adapted from Ina Garten)

2 hot house cucumbers - halved and seeded

3 red bell peppers (I always use a yellow, orange and red)

8 plum tomatoes (I use what ever tomato looks the best! - but not grape tomatoes)

2 red onions (1 is plenty for us)

6 garlic cloves

6 cups tomato juice - not v8

1/2 cup white wine vinegar (I prefer red wine vinegar)

1/2 cup good olive oil

1 tbls kosher salt

ground pepper

Now I also add:

pinch of cayenne

pinch of cumin

fresh herbs like dill

squeeze of lemon juice too

Chop the cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, garlic and onions into 1 in cubes and process separately in a food processor. Combine all the chopped ingredients in a bowl and mix in the tomato juice, vinegar, olive oil and seasonings. Mix well and chill for 6 hours or more. Top with sour cream and a parmesan crouton and you have a golden, fresh soup to enjoy!

cheers!