Potato and Poblano Soup

1# carola potatoes, medium dice

1 red onion, small diced

2 strips of thick cut bacon, diced (optional). Can add mushrooms and preferred oil (2tbsp) at the beginning if not using bacon

2 poblanos, seeds removed and diced

2 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 quart chicken or vegetable stock

1 cup sour cream

In a heavy Dutch oven or stockpot, fry the bacon over moderate heat, stirring frequently, until it starts to brown. Toss in the onions, half of the diced poblanos, the salt and pepper and cook until slightly golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly just to release the aroma, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in the chicken stock, add the potatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook 20 minutes. Puree in a food processor or blender just until smooth, being careful not to over-process. Return to the pot, stir in the sour cream and bring just to a boil. Stir in the remaining poblanos for garnish. 

Cucumber Gazpacho, Because it's hot outside

2 Slicing cucumbers, peeled and chopped (3 cups chopped)

1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped (try to remove white ribbing may impart a bitter flavor)

½-1 Italian bottle neck onions, minced (reserve tops and slice thin like a scallion for garnish)

2 jalapeños, stemmed, halved lengthwise, seeded (use disposable gloves)

1 bunch Italian parsley, large stems removed

Small handful mint or lemon verbena leaves

2 large cloves garlic, peeled and minced or pressed

½ cup chicken stock, or veggie stock, plus additional

¼ cup cold pressed olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Several drops of Tabasco Green Pepper Sauce, to taste

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

Garnish

¼ cup small diced cucumber (with peel)

¼ cup diced green bell pepper

coarsely grated zest of 1 lemon

6 small tips of fresh spearmint or lemon verbena

Put the cucumber, bell pepper, Italian bottleneck onion, jalapenos, parsley, mint or lemon verbena, and garlic into a blender and liquefy.

Add the stock, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Tabasco, and salt. Pulse to combine.

Taste and adjust the balance of salt and lemon juice if needed.

Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding a little more chicken stock if needed.

Chill for at least two hours.

Just before serving, pour the soup into individual cups, and then sprinkle each with a bit of diced cucumber, and lemon zest.