It’s almost…. July 4th weekend!

That means it just might be very warm where you are, and it means you just might be entertaining and want a very simple recipe that is sure to please (almost) everyone. I love cold soups. I’ve made them for years. I have my favorites.

 But here is one I just discovered in a cookbook I have had for years: “Cold Cuisine” by Helen Hecht. If you link to the title you will see it is still available in the original hardcover edition, for as little as $.01!! Now that is a bargain. It is a fabulous cookbook: I have a first edition, from 1981, and I can’t tell you how many times I have used it. It’s one of those rare gems of a book: not well known but full of sophisticated and ‘charming’ recipes.

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ZUCCHINI-BASIL SOUP

2 lbs. small zucchini             1 c sour cream

1/4 c chopped scallions       1 tbl lemon juice

1 tbls. olive oil 1 c chicken stock

1/2 c minced fresh basil

1 c half and half Salt, pepper

Wash and dry zucchini, slice crosswise, and saute with the scallions in the olive oil over low heat for a few minutes. Do not allow it to brown. Cook very gently, partially covered, until tender. Puree the zucchini and scallions with the basil in a food processor or blender, in batches, adding the half and half in a thin stream. Empty into a mixing bowl and stir in the sour cream, lemon juice, and chicken stock. Season to taste with salt and pepper and chill.

Zucchini-soup-su-1728727-l

Hope you will try it some time soon! Have a nice holiday weekend everyone…