Strawberry Fields – A Recipe from Chef Daniel Humm

It’s summer and ripe, juicy strawberries are in season.  My mom and dad are die hard fans of Chef Daniel Humm who heads up the kitchen at Eleven Madison Park restaurant in New York City.  He is kinda like the James Beard of NYC for all of you foodies out there.  He gave this recipe to New York Magazine and I thought I would share it with you too – kids will love it, and they can even drink this gazpacho recipe dish with a straw!  Now let’s get started…

Strawberry Gazpacho
Serves 4 to 6

FOR THE TOAST:

• 2 slices country white bread
• 1 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 clove garlic – crushed
• 1 sprig thyme

FOR THE GAZPACHO:

• 1 1/2 lbs. strawberries, plus 8 pieces for garnish
• 1 red bell pepper – seeded
• 1/2 green bell pepper – seeded
• 2 cucumbers peeled and seeded
• 1 clove garlic
• 3 oz. tomato juice
• 3 tbs. red-wine vinegar
• 2 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• Sea salt to taste
• Tabasco to taste

 GARNISH:

• 1 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• Black pepper to taste
• 4 basil leaves

FOR THE TOAST:
In a small pan over medium-low heat, toast the bread in the olive oil with the crushed garlic and thyme until golden brown. Reserve.

FOR THE GAZPACHO:
(1) Hull the strawberries by inserting a straw at the bottom of the berry and ,(2) pushing it through the cap.

(3) Dice the berries, peppers, cucumbers, and garlic, and combine with tomato juice, vinegar, and olive oil. Let marinate for 3 hours at room temperature.

(4) Combine all ingredients, including the toasted bread, in a blender, and blend until smooth.

(5) Season with salt and Tabasco (for little ones that hate spicy, omit the Tabasco).

(6) Finish with olive oil, black pepper, and basil. 

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Sunny weather and Farmers’ Markets go together!

Checking out the delicious strawberries. (Miranda in Playful Ponies and Paulo in A Dog's Life from le•top's 2009 Fall/Winter collection)

Farmers’ markets may be year-round, but it’s best to go when the sun is shining. Everything just looks fresher, greener and sweeter, and everyone is shopping away happily with their reusable bags in hand. I love to support my local farmers and buy their organically-grown produce every weekend, but trekking out there in the rain or cold just isn’t my cup of tea – especially with a little guy who has to be pushed around in his stroller. However, last Saturday when we woke up and saw the sun beaming down and temperatures in the low 70s, we decided it was time to visit the farmers’ market.

It’s been so long since we’ve been to a farmers’ market that Miranda forgot what it was. “Do they have rides? Do they have shopping carts? Why are we walking?” But as soon as we got out of the car and followed the crowd, Miranda remembered. “This is where we can try strawberries for FREE! And we can buy kettle corn! And where’s the clown that makes balloon animals?”

Oh, yes! The fun of going to farmers’ markets. Not only do we see fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, olive oils, pastas, etc., smell popcorn popping or meat grilling, hear live music, but we also get to spend quality family time. Yay for spring!

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