DOG DAYS OF SUMMER!

It's hot in southern Arizona. In fact, this July was the hottest on record for the last 20 years. 17 days were at or above 100 degrees! I was curious where the phrase Dog Days came from and this is what I discovered:

"The phrase is actually a reference to the fact that, during this time, the Sun occupies the same region of the sky as Sirius, the brightest star visible from any part of Earth and part of the constellation Canis Major, the Greater  Dog."

Thank you Google! 

So, on to another cold soup!

ICY COLD CUCUMBER AND AVOCADO SOUP!

This soup is rich and creamy, but served icy cold also very refreshing. I found the recipe in my Paleo cookbook, but altered a bit by using more avocado and chicken stock instead of water. 

Ingredients:

2 avocado

2 large cucumbers, peeled and chopped

1/2 cup chicken stock

1/4 cup olive oil, extra for garnishing

2 tbsp. chopped fresh mint, more for garnishing

1-inch piece ginger root, peeled and minced

1 clove garlic, chopped

1/2 lemon, juiced

1/2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar

1/2 tsp. sea salt

Fresh mint and olive oil for garnishing

Preparation:

Peel and pit the avocados. Place all other ingredients including one avocado in a blender and blend until completely smooth. Chill. Serve with slices of avocado, mint and a drizzle of olive oil. Easy Squeezey!

IT'S SMOKIN' TIME!

I got a smoker for my birthday and am really looking forward to perfecting the fine art of smoking. According to Bobby Flay, smoking really is more of an 'art' than 'science'. We christened the smoker by smoking a pork loin stuffed with panchetta, provolone, lots of basil pesto, fresh basil, spinach and arugala, and then wrapped the whole thing in a pound of bacon. This recipe was very similar to the Porchetta I made a while back, but this time smoked, instead of grilled. Since the smoker has 2 racks I also dry-rubbed some chicken thighs and smoked them, too. 

This is a Weber Rocky Mountain Bullet, vertical water smoker. I chose it for the relatively small size, and reasonable price (compared to Traeger or The Green Egg). It has two racks so is ample large enough for my purpose.

And here is our first smoking endeavor. Moist, tender and juicy pork loin served with steamed asparagus and creamy mushroom risotto.

THAT'S ALL FOR TODAY!

JOIN ME AGAIN SOON 

FOR ANOTHER COOKING ADVENTURE!

WWW.COOKWITHCINDY.COM