Gazpacho = Summer

Have I got a treat for you today!  Gazpacho - a cold refreshing soup full of summer goodness.  My philosophy is that there is always something you can make, even when you think you have nothing to eat in fridge, pantry or garden.  Gazpacho is one of those magic meals that is so satisfyingly simple!  The recipe below is a bit of mix and match, and can be adapted to personal tastes - just how I like to cook!  Or in this case blend, as all the ingredients are merely roughly chopped and thrown into the blender.

Gazpacho for two

4 ripe tomatoes (bonus if they're fresh from the vine)
1/2 cucumber (no need to peel)
1-2 red capsicum (I used roasted peppers out of a jar)
1 bagel (or any other bread slices - stale is good!)
2 handfuls of spinach (optional)
a spoonful of capers (optional)
a few basil leaves (tomato's best friend!)
a glug of olive oil
a few drops of balsamic vinegar
lemon juice, salt & pepper to taste

a few basil leaves to garnish

All ingredients are either fridge, garden or room temperature.  Wash everything that needs to be washed - roughly chop tomatoes, cucumber, capsicum - rip bagel into pieces - throw everything into a blender (don't forget to put the lid on) - blend until desired consistency (you shouldn't need more liquid) - pour into bowl, and either chill or serve and enjoy straight away!

Bon Appétit!