Chilled Red Gazpacho

July19

When summer comes, two things are certain: it’s hotter than a firecracker lit from both ends and there’s a big ‘ol pitcher of Chilled Red Gazpacho in my fridge.

Chilled Red Gazpacho - This is a perfect way to use up fresh tomatoes when they’re in season.

Gazpacho is a chilled vegetable soup from Spain. The word gazpacho originates from the Latin word caspa, which means “little pieces,” or something like that.  Chilled soup might sound a little strange if you’ve never enjoyed one.

But there are five good reasons why cold soups, like Chilled Red Gazpacho, are becoming so popular

  1. They’re easy to make. Most can be done in a blender or food processor.
  1. All the vegetables (or fruit!) that you’ll need are usually in season, so you can enjoy them anytime of the year.
  1. They’re the ultimate “grab-and-go” snack or meal. Fill a covered tumbler or mug with this deliciousness and sip away!
  1. They’re made with vegetables (and fruit!) so you know you’re doing something good for yourself.
  1. They’re the perfect make-ahead meal. Double the recipe and you’ll have something for dinner tonight, lunch tomorrow and a little bit left over as an appetizer for guests.

There are many types of Gazpacho, but the most familiar is this recipe for Chilled Red Gazpacho, made with fresh tomatoes. This is a perfect way to use up fresh tomatoes when they’re in season. And, if fresh tomatoes aren’t available, use canned San Marazano tomatoes. ONLY San Marazano tomatoes.

I like to serve the Chilled Red Gazpacho with finely diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red and green bell peppers and toasted bread croutons.

 

Chilled Red Gazpacho - Gazpacho is a chilled vegetable soup from Spain. The word gazpacho originates from the Latin word caspa, which means “little pieces.”

 

Use fresh tomatoes when making this Chilled Red Gazpacho

Cuban Garlic Shrimp

March22

Old Havana Neighborhood

Journey down any Cuban residential street at mealtime and one distinctive, hunger-inducing aroma lifts you up and carries you to the table: garlic.

This is not a one-clove-in-a-dish kind of place. Got a bulb of garlic? Use it. Please, don’t get me wrong; Cuban cooks know how to incorporate garlic into a recipe so it doesn’t smack you around. They know how to coax garlic into releasing it’s pungent flavor without asaulting the rest of the dish.

Toasting, roasting, sautéing and even frying, bring out garlic’s various nuances. Don’t forget: you want garlic’s flavor, but not the bite… like in this easy-to-prepare garlic shrimp recipe. A splash of vinegar, or lemon, brightens the dish just a bit.

Like visiting Cuba, this is a journey worth taking.

How to Make The Best Granola Ever

February14

A lot of packaged granola is loaded with sugar and sodium. This one isn't. It's gluten-free and vegan - the best granola ever.

Have you seen how many different kinds of granola you can buy? 

A lot of the granola you see in grocery stores is loaded with too much sugar and sodium… definitely not something you want if you’re trying to eat healthy (and Granola started off as a health food, remember).

Here’s a better idea… make your own. This is a very easy gluten-free, vegan recipe that shows you how to make the best granola ever. I’ve used brown sugar and maple syrup to give it a subtle sweetness and added just a pinch of salt. The almonds and tart cherries bump up the excitement!

Find the printable recipe below the image!

How to Make The Best Granola Ever


Chilled Pistachio Yogurt Soup

July16

Here’s your sip of summer. 

Chilled Pistachio Soup - With the delicate flavors of hibiscus, mint and dill. Recipe: http://mamashighstrung.com/?p=7978

A summer soup should be cool and bright, with flavors that pop with every spoonful. But, like everything in life, you’ve got to keep it interesting.

Just like this Chilled Pistachio Yogurt Soup. Dried hibiscus petals, lightly toasted pistachios and a handful of the season’s freshest herbs give this Greek yogurt soup a refreshing lift that is alarmingly addicting. Really.

The accoutrements on the side are a little extra bit of fun… they enhance what’s already in the soup.

Proof positive: The words summer and soup are not an oxymoron.


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Hi…
I’m Christina Chavez

I was a TV journalist for many years, but with a house full of kids I decided to come off the road, go to culinary school and follow my passion for cooking. Mama’s High Strung is all about food… everything from creative recipe ideas to some really cool kitchen gadgets and cooking tips. I live in Chicago, but I love to travel and write about my food discoveries! You can reach me by email: mamashighstrung@gmail.com