I have always used books to escape or to avoid things or to soothe my bothered brow. I realized a few days ago that I  have never, ever read so much in my life as since mr. Trump has been president. Most days I just need to tune out his vitriolic hatred for all things good in this world as much as possible. I tune out by reading. Magazines, newspapers, recipes and books.  I have, in fact,  taken my reading to an entirely new level in the past few years. More than read, I devour pages, upon pages of novels….thousands of ideas and words. No quicker than I finish one, I am on to the next. On the other hand, one cannot live off books alone….one has to eat  real food…so a few days ago, between chapters, I tossed a few ingredients to my blender for this  batch of green gazpacho. A drinkable lunch while moving to the next chapter. (Dare I say, thank you mr. president? Hmmmm…probably not.)

A few small Persian cucumbers, fresh arugula, garlic, basil, mint, a splash of vinegar and olive oil with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. No particular amounts of each, just whatever you have. Blend until smooth, taste and adjust flavors, drink while reading.

No recipe is needed for this refreshing summer soup, but I will share a list of some of books I have read recently for your own little summer escape. Bon Appetite while reading.