Americans have more food to eat than any other people and more diets to keep them from eating it
Yogi Berra quotes
What a surprise 70º weather before the cold rolls in once again, but hey it is January so some cold is to be expected after all. For today a chilled gazpacho is on the menu and greatly adapted from Jamie Oliver…I wanted to attach a video link, but the whole video shows up and takes up too much of my space so I suggest looking at his video on YouTube the one in Andalucia, Spain.
Gazpacho can be very adaptable and even include grilled shrimp or scallops for a nice appetizer with a good margarita, red or white wine. So with quite the assortment of veggies to work with I’m sure we will enjoy the summer favorite with a nice platter of Spanish shrimp cazuelitas, cold cuts and cheeses for a mini tapas dinner.
Hardly a lot of work if you use a food processor to make the basic gazpacho and then chop extra vegetables for garnish, season with salt, pepper and a pinch or two of smoked paprika. A splash of good tequila makes it extra special. Perk that gazpacho up with 1/2 cup Zing Zang’s Bloody Mary mix, optional of course.
I soaked 2 crusty French rolls in 6 ounces of EVOO and 4 large cloves of smashed garlic for about 30 minutes, cut up 1+1/2 pounds of tomatoes and 1/2 half large English cucumber, peeled. I had a bag of small colored peppers and used about 6 chunked up…Start by puréeing the tomatoes, cucs and peppers in the processor, pulse for a minute or so, you will see tiny bits… at this point you can choose to strain them for seeds and skins, I did that today. Toss the olive oil and garlic soaked bread into the processor add 3 teaspoons balsamic or red wine vinegar, more to taste process for a couple of minutes add the strained tomatoes, process. If you want a thinner gazpacho you can add water, but an 11 ounce can of spicy or low sodium V8 juice and of course the Zing Zang’s will also thin it a bit otherwise add a little water.
Seriously garnish with extra veggies, croutons if you wish and wedges of fresh lime..hot sauce optional.
Wonderful dinner and we enjoyed the moment of spring in January!
Cucina Magia 
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