Dishin’ With Denise… Summer’s “Last Gasp” For Gazpacho

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Denise Gianatasio is a Northport Village resident and freelance writer. She is a licenced agent at Signature Premier Properties, Platinum Circle of Excellence, 172 Main Street, Northport 631-754-3600. Denise enjoys cooking and sharing her recipes and family stories, as she wants to inspire a warm sense of home with her readers. Please feel free to contact her for any advice you may need at dishinwithdenise@yahoo.com.

It’s not just those Autumn leaves that shine. Red and gold heirloom tomatoes do too! As Fall comes into view, browse the abundance of fresh produce proudly displayed at your local farmers market. Bring back summer one more time with this refreshing authentic Spanish tomato soup– Gazpacho. The quintessential soup of summer. I am assuming by now, that you have come to know that not all tomatoes are created equal! In season, choose the sweet local grown heirloom tomatoes and off season, stick to the canned San Marzano kind. The heirloom tomatoes are missing the genetic mutation that gives them that typical red color; and are much more sweet and delicious. Easy to prepare, all ingredients are fresh and raw, blended together for one last summer cold soup before we crank up the heat! No STOVE needed! Get out your blender and soups on in a few! Blend or pulse to your own desired texture– I like mine smooth but a bit crunchy!

    12 large heirloom tomatoes quartered (seeds removed)
    1 large yellow and 1 orange pepper seeded and quartered
    2 large seedless cucumbers peeled & chopped 
    ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
    ¼ cup red wine vinegar
    1 T Worcestershire sauce
    1 T Tabasco sauce 
    1 fresh lemon, squeezed
    1 fresh lime
    1 t cumin
    Fresh black pepper and sea salt to taste 
    2 T fresh dill
    ¼ cup fresh parsley
    2 T fresh chopped chives
    2 T fresh oregano
    1 large garlic clove
    1/3 large red onion cut into chunks

Blend tomatoes until puréed. In batches, add everything else and pulse together. Chill until ready to serve– allowing a few hours for the flavors to mesh and meld! Taste for extra seasoning. Add some crispy croutons for garnish, drizzle with some olive oil and serve with crusty bread. Top with more fresh herbs for garnish. Serve with a nice, chilled rosé wine and sample summer once again. Enjoy!  xoxo  Dishin’ With Denise