The other night while lying on the bed watching TV, the mister started whining - again - about how he needs to lose weight...he even postponed his annual physical because he didn't want to go until he drops some pounds...at least I think that's what he said, it was hard to understand him with all that ice cream in his mouth. The mister has always eaten like a wayward hog, he loves junk food and if you cut him he would bleed strawberry ice cream...he could eat a sumo under the table and not gain an ounce...until recently...so, in another attempt to serve him something lite, to offset the nightly vat of ice cream...I made Gazpacho for dinner. If you'd been here you would have seen him glower...oh yes, he glowered...he is a glowerer for sure. But, he ate it and then declared that in the future he would prefer to chew his veggies.
Gazpacho...what's not to love? Sure it's like a watery salsa but when you eat it with a spoon it seems so Malibu-Sidewalk-Cafe-ish...I love everything about it...the vibrant taste, the texture, the color, even the name...Gazpacho...makes me want to get up and dance with a rose between my teeth! Ole!
This gazpacho is a little different - it has pine nuts, fresh basil and feta cheese on top...and I'm telling you...it's dang good - no matter WHAT the mister said!
Gazpacho With Feta - Inspired by a recipe in Real Simple, August 2008
3 pounds tomatoes (about 6 large) cut into large pieces
1 red pepper, cut into large pieces
1 cup carrots, cut into large pieces
2 green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 ounces feta, crumbled
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
1/2 cup pine nuts
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Working in batches, puree the tomatoes, bell pepper, carrots, and green onions in a food processor and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in the vinegar, oil, salt and pepper. Divide among serving bowls and top with the feta, basil, and pine nuts. Makes 4 servings.