I am trying a few new things lately. Girlie things. Now, for those of you who do not know me very well, I am not a “girlie” girl. I’m an engineer that loves chemistry jokes.  I love love love t-shirts, cold beer, a great pair of jeans, duct tape, and power tools. I hate putting make up on or doing my hair (very apparent but I try). I have more running shorts than dresses or nice clothes in general. True story.

But a dear friend of mine is trying to convince me to give “girlie” a go. She loaned me a nice purse (my old purse looks like a nap sack bag according to my husband)and I even got a pedicure and a manicure. I felt like Eliza Doolittle!  I hate purses and I get irritated at the time it takes to get my nails done. That being said, I do have to admit that I feel a little more put together (even if this is the biggest and heaviest and most awkward purse and I want to throw it at someone everytime I can’t get it on my shoulder using just one hand). But I am trying…sort of. Right?

Another new thing that I have tried recently is cold soup. Cold soup? Really? Yes, really.

Give it a go.  It is quite refreshing on a hot muggy day. (Unlike this new purse!) And it’s easy. And no oven or stove! Bonus! Top with avocado slices or shredded chicken for a full meal or serve as a starter.

Throw all that produce that you have streaming out of that beautiful garden or farmers’ market into a blender or food processor, blend, chill, and then eat!  Or if you are like me and can’t wait for the darned soup to chill, eat it straight out of the food processor bowl. Mmmm. I recommend removing the blade first!

Garden Gazpacho

Serves 6 as a side

Ingredients

• 6 large tomatoes, cored and roughly chopped
• 1/2 large cucumber, seeds removed
• 1 green bell pepper, cored
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 2 to 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
• 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 to 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of fresh basil
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Because this makes quite a bit, you will have to do this in batches. Combine half of the ingredients into a food processor or good blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into a container.
2. Process the half of the ingredients and blend until smooth. Combine the soup with the first batch. Place in the refrigerator for at least an hour to chill properly.