Who could have ever guessed that our summer would FINALLY arrive on Labor Day Weekend? The weather this past weekend was glorious: brilliant sunshine, sky entirely unsullied by even a speck of cloud, so blue even the dogs seemed able to perceive its piercing azure, colorblind or no. The temperature’s been hovering at around 28C (that’s high 80s, my American compadres!), and–best of all–no humidity! What a perfect way to usher out the summer as students prepare to get back to school tomorrow and parents prepare to shout obscenities at all the extra drivers on the newly traffic-clogged roadways.
It does seem strange to be bidding summer adieu when it feels as if we never actually had a real summer this year to begin with. Let’s see: before this weekend, I can recall a total of three sunny days. And it’s official: this summer, we surpassed every known record for rainfall in Ontario between June 1 and August 31st.
And so, to celebrate the late arrival of warmth and to send off the season that never was, I thought I’d present this heavenly soup. It’s one I mentioned waaaaay back when I ran the last Lucky Comestible series on avocados. As the warm weather dissipates and the stealthy chill of autumn returns with its crisp sheets in the evenings and dewy sprays of frost on car windows each morning, this is a soup you can make to remind you that, before you know it–a mere 293 days from now–the warm weather will finally return. That is, if there’s actually a summer next year.
The soup is creamy, rich, and very refreshing after an afternoon in the sun. It’s also great as a quick dinner if you’ve been taking advantage of one of the rare balmy afternoons left in which you can go outside in just a T-shirt and shorts.
So long, Oh Blazing Sol of the summer. So long, lush, humective grasses and tomato blossoms, amazonian mint, purple clover and sundry weeds in a multicolored tangle like some crazy knitting basket in my vegetable garden. So long, little Chaser slurping at the hose. So long, G & Ts on the patio, tan lines on my shoulders, shoes slipped on casually with no socks. So long, coveted, much cherished, far too short and ever appreciated summer weather.
Summer, we hardly knew ya. Sniff. Boo hoo. But now, there’s soup. . .
Oh, and for those of you returning to school tomorrow (or those who’ve just returned this past week)–welcome back!
Chilled Avocado Soup
This is a simple, quick and delicious soup for a summer’s evening. Avocado offers healthy monounsaturated fats, and cucumber is cooling and alkalizing.
1 English cucumber, peeled, seeded and roughly chopped
2 large ripe avocados
2 green onions, roughly chopped
2 apples (choose fairly crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Spartan), unpeeled
1-1/2 cups (360 ml.) plain soy or almond milk (more if thinner soup is desired)
1 cup (240 ml.) coconut milk
½ tsp. (2.5 ml.) mild curry powder
2 T. (30 ml.) freshly squeezed lemon juice
cilantro (or whatever’s flourishing in your herb garden), for garnish
In bowl of food processor, process all ingredients until smooth. If soup is too thick for your taste, add a bit more soymilk. Chill until ready to serve. Garnish with fresh cilantro (or, if you have a forest of it in growing along the side or your house, mint).
Makes about 4 servings.
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Yeah, what’s the deal with the most beautiful weather of the summer happening the day before school starts? And it looks like the trend will continue for the next few days.
Ooohhh, that looks divine! Would’ve liked a bowl after sitting in the sun today at the us open 🙂 I guess aloe will have to do right now (not to eat, to sooth the tops of my legs–oops!)
love your photos with the mint garnish – sorry to hear you haven’t had much sun but no surprise to hear it is hear as school is back – when I was a child the hot weather seemed to really hit just as we headed back to school so I just think the sun is a contrary beast!
meanwhile we have had a wet winter and yet our dams still seem scarily low so the idea of hoses still seems a pleasure of a distant past (lucky chaser) – but maybe I will feel brave enough to try a chilled soup this summer for some consolation – this looks great!
We definitely DIDN’T have a proper summer – my garden completely died/never flourished, due to heavy rain and cold temperatures :0( Ah well – my favorite season is autumn anyways, so I’m actually quite excited that it’s that time of year now :0)
Looove avocados, so of COURSE I love that soup! Fabulous!
Me like-y your soupy! My little one started school for the first time today! I hope you had a good “rentrée scolaire”!
Oh my what a soup!
And with a raw milk it is raw too. I an going to try and go raw for 2 days a week and this should be a good starter for an evening meal.
This looks great! I’m always up for trying new and interesting dishes; I think this one will be next on my list.
We’d like to invite you to participate in our September apple and peach recipe contest. All competitors will be eligible to win one of three prizes :)! Please email me, haleyglasco@gmail.com, if you’re interested. Feel free to check out our blog for more details: http://blog.keyingredient.com/2008/08/29/september-kick-contest/
Thanks :),
Haley
KI Blogger
Looks divine! I’ve made a soup like this in the past with avocado and zucchini. But the apples…now that sounds better!
@ Hippolyra – good luck going raw, try doing a week straight and you’ll feel amazing differences. but i’m surprised that milk, even raw, is included in your diet! is there a book you are working with? good luck!
So much depth in that soup. Wow, very impressive. I am always amazed by the versatility of avocados. They are so tasty.
I miss labour day!!! We are without that holiday here in Brussels. Looks like you had a tasty weekend.
Looks gorgeous! It’s in the 90s here today. Ugh. Where’s fall?
Vegan Dad,
Thanks so much for your comment, and for visiting! The warm trend is continuing over here, too. . . but I guess it’s just “normal” for Ontario weather to be all over the map these days!
ttfn300,
Ouch! Sorry about the need for aloe. . . this may refresh, too. 🙂
Johanna,
Glad you like the mint! 😉 And glad you at least got SOME rain, which sounds like it is sorely needed.
VeggieGirl,
Glad you like the soup. Wish I could say fall is my favorite, too, but I’m a summer gal, all the way. Sniff!
Shelly,
Me thankie muchly! Hope your petite also had a good first day 🙂
Hippolyra,
I think this would be great all-raw–very alkalizing and refreshing! Good luck with the cleanse!
Haley,
Thanks so much! Will check into the contest, too.
Michelle,
Thanks! The apples do add a certain “zing” factor, which is very nice.
And Hippolyra, I’d like to know the book, too! 🙂
VeganCowgirl,
Yes, avocados are amazing, aren’t they? Love ’em, love ’em. And sorry you missed out on Labor Day! But don’t you guys have, like, 56 stat holidays a year, or something? (Okay, I’m exaggerating. But just a little.) 😉
Deb,
Thanks so much! Hot here today, too. But I am definitely NOT looking forward to fall!!
The more recipes for avocados the better!
I’ve never thought of combining the flavors of avocado and apple. Thanks for sharing!
We still have summer weather here– perfect for chilled soup!
Summer is still going strong here… so I have plenty of time to make this delicious soup!!
I made the absolute worst avocado soup awhile back, way too limey. This recipe looks wonderful!
Yeah, this summer was really weird. I keep thinking it has to do with global warming, then get freaked out! Thank you for the recipe. I need to be more brave about my soup’s temperature!
LOVE. avocadoes. period. and i think we get them all the time here in so cal. thank goodness!
Such a great green and looks to die for. I heard September is supposed to stay like this til the end of the month….cool!!!
Andrea,
My sentiments, exactly! 🙂
Cheryl,
They actually work very well together–juicy, refreshing, smooth, cool!
CCV,
How lucky for you!! Wish I could say the same over here.
Vegan Noodle,
Glad to hear it (and am jealous!)
atxvegn,
Sorry to hear it–hate to waste good avocados! Hope you like this one. 🙂
Destiny’s Kitchen,
Yes, a cold soup can be a wonderful thing. 🙂
Sarah,
Thanks for your comment, and for visiting! You are so incredibly lucky to have avos fresh all year!
Giz,
Yay! Let’s hope the weather guys got it right for once.