This soup too good to be true…simple to make, perfect for a meal on a hot summer night, perfect for a cold summer night…perfect for entertaining, perfect for picnics, this soup is perfect for just about ANYTHING!

I  hesitated trying this soup, though I ran across numerous recipes, because i had the impression that this was a dessert soup, which it is absoluely NOT.  Don’t make the mistake of passing this soup up. Make it NOW, and you can thank me later!

Sweet and Savory Strawberry Gazpacho

• 1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced
• 2 sprigs of fresh lemon thyme
• 6 cups strawberries, hulled and quartered
• 2 1/4 cups cucumbers, peeled, seeded(optional)and diced
• 2 cups yellow bell pepper, diced
• 3 sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrated in water or 2 Tbs. tomato paste mixed into 4 Tbs. water
• 3 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• basil leaves, freshly ground black pepper, and olive oil, for serving

1. Add the Garlic clove, the lemon thyme, strawberries, cucumbers, peppers, 1/2 cup olive oil, tomato-paste water, vinegar, and salt to a bowl.  Toss everything to combine, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and leave to marinate at room temperature for 3-6 hours.
2.  Puree the mixture together in small batches until very smooth then refrigerate until fully chilled.
3. Before serving, taste and adjust the salt and vinegar if desired.  Serve sprinkled with basil leaves, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.