This chilled soup now has a permanent spot in my menu rotation for clients after getting rave reviews at not one, but two summer garden parties last year. So maybe the secret to this refreshing dish is to serve it outside on a warm, sunny day. And don’t skip the hot sauce. This cool soup likes a touch of heat.

Cucumber Gazpacho with Shrimp & Melon
from Epicurious

Ingredients

1 3/4 large cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped (about 3 1/4 cup), plus 1/4 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into small dice for garnish (about 1/4 cup)
2 scallions (white and green parts), coarsely chopped
1/2 cup (loosely packed) assorted fresh herbs, such as basil, chives, and mint, coarsely chopped, plus ¼ cup finely chopped (for garnish)
1 (1/2-inch) piece fresh ginger, coarsely chopped
1 small clove garlic, coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (Siracha for me)
1/4 pound large shrimp, peeled, cooked, and cut into medium dice (about 8 shrimp)
1/2 cup seedless watermelon or cantaloupe, cut into small dice

Directions

In blender or food processor, combine coarsely chopped cucumber, scallions, coarsely chopped herbs, ginger, garlic, olive oil, and yogurt and process until smooth, about 1 minute. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper, and hot sauce, then transfer to large airtight container and refrigerate 1 hour or up to 4 hours.

A Short Review of Miette and the Best Macarons I Have Ever Tasted

I recently discovered an endearing little bakery in San Francisco that has stolen my heart, although I have a feeling that it’s not exactly my little secret. My sister had been raving about it a few weeks prior to my visit, specifically the macarons. And when I mentioned visiting “this cute little bakery my sister told me about” to a friend over breakfast upon my arrival he immediately (and correctly) assumed, “Oh, Miette?” before I’d even had a chance to blurt out the name.

Let me make it known that I have a slight obsession with macarons. They appear frequently on my blog, and instead of a box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day I got a box of macarons- boyfriend knows the way to my heart. So naturally, I had to see how Miette’s stacked up against some of the local varieties in Santa Barbara, my favorite being the Salted Caramel flavor at Renaud’s. The bar was set high.

We visited the Ferry Building location to pick up an assortment and well, my sister was right. With that definable crunchy, chewy texture of the cookie done to perfection and an insanely rich and creamy center, as well as fanciful flavors like rose geranium, chocolate orange and grapefruit (personal fave), Miette easily blew Renaud’s out of the water- in the macaron department anyway.

So enamored was I that I went back the next day for more, to eat in the car on the way home share with boyfriend. I was so taken with the vintage pastel decor and charming cake platters and wanted to take a little piece of Miette home with me, so in addition to my second round of macarons I also purchased a set of green and white striped paper straws for an upcoming baby shower I was hosting. I’ll definitely make this a regular Bay Area stop…if their macarons are any indication, I’m sure their other cookies, cakes and confections do not disappoint. 

For more info on Miette, click here.