Cucumber Basil Gazpacho

Cucumber Basil Gazpacho

• 1 ripe avocado, meat removed
• 1 cucumber: skin left on, seeds removed
• 2 small handfuls fresh basil
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 scallions, both green and whites
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons fruit-infused vinegar (or lime juice)

Mix all ingredients in a high powered blender until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight (even better!). Serve cold, garnished with diced cucumber and a basil leaf, if desired. I've found that this soup keeps well in the fridge for at least 4 days.

This recipe (which happens to be: gluten free, raw, and vegan) is from Allyson Kramer and her blog Eat Good Food.

Rustic Peach Gazpacho

Rustic Peach Gazpacho

3 ripe peaches
maple syrup
6 sm-med tomatoes, chopped - heirloom are my favorite!
1 small (or half of a large) English cucumber, peeled and chopped
1/2 c sweet onion, finely chopped
25 mint leaves, rinsed
1/4 c fresh basil (or about 50 leaves), rinsed
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 T red wine vinegar
1 T fresh lemon juice
1/2 T tomato paste
1/4 t smoked paprika - yes, you MUST used smoked instead of regular - it's the magic ingredient!
1/2 t sea salt
fresh ground pepper to taste
1 T extra virgin olive oil

Slice peaches in half, and remove the pits. Arrange on a baking sheet, cut side up, and drizzle with maple syrup. Place under a broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until deep golden brown. Remove, and let cool.

Combine all ingredients except olive oil in a large bowl. Use an immersion blender to blend everything to a creamy consistency, or, you can use a traditional blender or food processer and blend the ingredients in small batches - then combine. Once you have achieved a smooth soup, continue blending as you slowly drizzle in the olive oil.

Let chill for at least 8 hours. I usually make mine the day before we eat it - as with most gazpachos, the flavors really come together over time.

Garnish with croutons, chives, and peach slices, if desired.

This soup is amazing alongside sandwiches or paninis, excellent as an interesting first course, and also pairs well with BBQ.

Original recipe found HERE on the Emma Frisch blog. As usual, I just tweaked it a bit to suit our tastes and my cooking style!

Herbed Orzo Salad

I found this recipe in Light and Tasty magazine, and we just love the unique blend of flavors! So light, fresh, and delicious, I adore quick recipes like this for a meal-in-a-hurry. You can serve the salad as is for a side dish, or to make it a full meal, just add some chopped smoked ham like we often do.

Herb Vegetable Orzo Salad

 

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 cups frozen corn, thawed
• 1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
• 1/2 cup grape or cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup pitted Greek olives, halved
• 1/4 cup chopped sweet onion
• 1/4 cup minced fresh basil or 4 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley (I don't use parsley)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

• Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a large serving bowl; add the corn, red pepper, tomatoes, olives, onion, basil and parsley.
• In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the oil, vinegar, salt and pepper; shake well. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Yield: 8 servings.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving (3/4 cup) equals 192 calories, 7 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 157 mg sodium, 29 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 5 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.

Spinach and Herb Linguini

A delicious, healthful way to enjoy pasta-in-a-hurry. Bursting with the fresh herbal flavors of summer! Originally inspired by a recipe from Cooking Light magazine, my adaptation is below:

 

Spinach and Herb Green Linguini

 

4 oz fresh spinach
1/4 c slivered almonds
1/4 c fresh basil leaves
1 t dried oregano
1/4 t black pepper
1 large garlic clove, minced
2 T low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
2 t fresh lemon juice
2 T white wine
1/4 t salt
2 T evoo
1/4 c grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
8 oz uncooked linguini

Cook linguini according to package directions.

Meanwhile add the first 10 ingredients (spinach through salt) to a food processor and process well, scraping down the sides if needed. While continuing to process, stream in the evoo until mixture takes on the consistency of pesto. Stir in cheese, and toss thoroughly with the cooked and drained pasta. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!