A frosty, pastel soup is a relief on muggy days and they are generally breezy to make too. You need no more than the ripest ingredients and a good blender (or food processor) to prepare them.
Light and nutritious, a cold soup for dessert will be a novelty for the kids as well. For adult company, add a splash of sherry, champagne or dessert wine, such as Sauternes.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or sorbet in a contrasting flavor can be the icing on the cake, so to speak, and a couple of sugar cookies or shortbread squares on the side add crunchy extra luxury.
Cold Coconut-Melon Soup
For a fancy touch, garnish this soup with a thin slice of pale green lime and a spoonful of yogurt or sour cream.
Ingredients
3 c. (1 very ripe) cantaloupe, diced
1 1/2 c. coconut milk * (light is fine)
2 Tbs. honey, optional
juice of ½ lime
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ginger
¼-1/2 c. plain yogurt or sour cream, optional
Scoop out and discard the melon seeds and rind. Whir all the ingredients in the blender, adding the milk little by little until the soup reaches the desired consistency.
*Part water or 8-12 oz. orange juice may be substituted.
Serves 4.
Chilled Peach Soup
Chopped mint leaves or a sprinkle of lavender flowers is very pretty in the center of this soup.
Ingredients
4-6 very ripe peaches, peeled
8-12 oz. apricot nectar, mango nectar or orange juice
juice of ½ lemon
¼-1/2 c. plain yogurt or sour cream, optional
Whir all the ingredients in the blender, adding the juice little by little until the soup reaches the desired consistency. Part water may be substituted.
Serves 4.
Cold Strawberry or Raspberry Soup
Whipped cream and a small berry or slice of banana are pretty garnishes for this pink soup.
Ingredients
2 pints fresh strawberries or raspberries
3/4 c. dry red wine, orange juice or kiwi nectar
1/3 c. powdered sugar
2 Tbs. orange liqueur, such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier, optional
1 c. sour cream or yogurt
If using raspberries, you can mash them through sieve to remove seeds…or not. Blend all ingredients until smooth. Chill well.
Serves 4.
