The Tomato Garden

We planted the garden a little late this year, but alas some little cherry tomatoes are finally starting to sprout and you know what that means....Gazpacho soup!! Oh yes, that delicious chilled soup, perfect  to cool off on those hot summer nights! Now if you have never tried it before but LOVE salsa, this is right up your alley. A more subtle flavor than salsa but a delightful rich robust tomato flavor, paired lovingly with a bounty of other vegetables. This recipe gets this FoodieGIRL's seal of approval! ENJOY! ** and with 46 calories for a 1 cup bowl, go ahead, have seconds!!**

Gazpacho

• 6 ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 purple onion, finely chopped
• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, chopped
• 1 sweet red bell pepper (or green) seeded and chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1-2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
• 6 or more drops of Tabasco sauce to taste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (omit for vegetarian option)
• 4 cups tomato juice

Combine all ingredients. Blend slightly, to desired consistency. Place in non-metal, non-reactive storage container, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to blend. If you like, add avocado and/or tortilla chips for garnish.

Yield: Serves 8.