Too Cool for School

We had a little (enormous) storm around these parts over the weekend, and our power has been out since Friday night. So, we've spent a lot of time driving around so we can enjoy air conditioning and charge our phones. And we've gone into a lot of stores so we can enjoy air conditioning. And we've gone to some movies so, you guessed it!, we can enjoy air conditioning!

It's also got me thinking about cold food. So, whether you are suffering from a lack of power or not, here is one of my favorites.

Spanish Gazpacho

I actually hate tomatoes, but I adore this cold tomato soup. Weird? Pretty much. But I also like to think of it was a really convincing endorsement. The key to good gazpacho is good, vine-ripened, non-mealy tomatoes. A farmers market is probably your best bet, if you have one nearby.

You'll need:

5-6 plump, ripe tomatoes
1-2 green peppers
1 cucumber
1 medium sized yellow onion
olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic to taste

Cut up all your vegetables and put half of them in a blender. And blend that sucker up, adding olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic as you go. Some people might tell you this is an exact science. I am not one of those people.

Pour it through a strainer into a bowl (if your blender is powerful enough you won't need to strain it) and then repeat with the second half of your vegetables. Chill for a little bit. And enjoy!

We like to put chopped up cucumbers, peppers, green onions and croutons on top of ours as a garnish, and I don't think you'll be sorry if you try it.

Aah, I am feeling cooled off already. You?