No. 1 : Quick Recipe
Roasted Red Pepper Gazpacho
- 1 Large English Cucumber, coarsely chopped
- 2 Red Peppers, roasted
- 6 Roma Tomatoes OR 1 Can (15 ½ oz) Diced Fire Roasted Tomatoes
- 2 TB Tomato Paste
- 1 Cup Your Favorite Prepared Salsa
- ¼ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 TB Sherry Vinegar
- 1 Lemon, zested
- Manchego Cheese, shredded for garnish
- Cilantro, chopped for garnish
Put the cucumber, tomato paste, roasted peppers, and tomatoes in blender and purée. Stir in the salsa, oil, vinegar and lemon zest. Place in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight. When ready to serve, top with cheese and cilantro. Keeps in fridge for 3 – 4 days. Nothing like a chilled soup for lunch on a hot day!
No. 2 : Kitchen Scoop
Use summer ripe tomatoes to make your own fire roasted tomatoes. Cut Roma tomatoes in half and place on a sheet tray. Slide under the broiler and cook for 5 – 8 minutes or until the skins are blackened. Use the tomatoes in the recipe, just like the can! You can make your own roasted red peppers, too – Just follow the directions in this VIDEO to easily make them!
No. 3 : Clever Idea
When peppers are in season or on sale and you’d like to freeze the ones you’ve roasted, put the peppers in a gallon zip lock bag and push them to the very bottom of the bag. Roll them up like a sausage, and label them with the date and the contents. Put them into the freezer; they will keep well for 3 to 6 months. When ready to use, take them out and set on the counter for about 15 to 20 minutes, or long enough for them to get soft enough to slice. Cut off the amount you need and re-wrap the rest to use later.
No. 4 : Wine FIND of the Week
Juve Y Camps Rosé Cava
Penedes Spain
About $16.00
Hot summer days call for sparkling refreshing wine! 100% Pinot Noir grapes give this rosé its beautiful cherry color. A fizz like this is perfect to cut the acidity of the chilly tomato soup – you can enjoy as an aperitif, with the gazpacho, and all the way through your meal. From the traditional region of Spain known for its excellent production of “champagne style” wines, it’s a quality bottle for an excellent price.