Roasted Red Pepper Soup

Some of the many reasons I'm loving summer right now:

• Outdoor farmers markets for fresh local produce
• Golf
• Outdoor patios
• Hiking and biking
• Grilled vegetables and fruit of all kinds. Peaches, bell peppers, pineapple, zucchini...

One of my go to sides for dinners as of late this summer has been bell peppers roasted on the grill. When it's done roasting we take it off the grill, wrap it up in some foil and let it sit for a minute to let it soak all the juices back in. Then it get's filled with a tablespoon or two of creamy goats cheese. Sometimes we also add fresh herbs like chopped basil. It's super tasty and perfectly light and satisfying on those hot muggy nights when you don't want to turn the oven or stove on.

Of course, we're talking about soup today because, well, frankly the weather has been a little off this week. One day it's hot and humid, the next it's cold, rainy and I'm back to wearing fleecy sweaters. Make up your mind already summer!

Roasted red peppers and fresh garden tomatoes are one of those things that pair together so well in this soup. It's a fairly simple recipe that can be made quickly for a weeknight supper. And if you're like me and like to be ultra organized you can cut down the prep time by roasting the peppers in advance. It's also excellent reheated the next day for a nutritious lunch.

Served with toasty whole grain bread this soup can surprise those that never new they were pepper lovers.

If you like creamy style soups, I would highly recommend finishing the dish off with a bit of goat cheese swirled into your bowl. Just like a twist on those stuffed roasted peppers. It's much healthier than cream and tastes just as good, if not better, without all the fat.

Roasted Red Pepper Soup gluten free (serves 6-8)

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Ingredients:

• 7 red bell peppers
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 large russet potato, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 can of no-sodium diced tomatoes
• Juice of 1 lemon
• chopped chives for garnish
• 1/4 cup goats cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. First, roast the peppers: cut the tops of the bell peppers off; discard seeds and membranes. Then, slice the peppers in half and flatten with the palm of your hand. Roast peppers on BBQ until black, remove and place in a large bowl; cover with saran wrap. Let sit for 15 minutes. Peel off blackened skins and chop. If you are looking for the oven method follow these instructions: How to Roast Bell Peppers.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, thyme, and oregano. Saute, stirring occasionally until the onions begin to soften and look translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add potato, bell peppers, broth, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to simmer until the potatoes are very tender, about 30 minutes.
4. Using an immersion hand blender or stand blender, puree the soup until it is very smooth. Add lemon juice, salt and pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste.
5. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with fresh snipped chives for garnish

**Note** If you are not vegan, try a tablespoon of goats cheese in the center of each bowl.

Homemade Creamy Peanut Butter

I have a serious soft spot for peanut butter. Almond butter too.

So much so that I fear my most beloved kitchen tool, the food processor, is getting too much of a work out from all the use. I think our food processor is more than ten years old now. Although it has seen better days it has been one very sturdy appliance. Seriously, if there was one kitchen appliance that I couldn't live without it would have to be the food processor. Just watch, I hope something bad doesn't happen to it now that I've gone and said that [crosses fingers...and toes for that matter].

If you love peanut butter as much as I do, you will love this recipe. This one is nothing but simple and all natural with just a pinch of sea salt to round it out that creamy peanuty taste. You'll need just 2 ingredients to make it.

I think everyone who loves nut butter should have a good basic peanut butter recipe. It's so easy to make! I actually find it easier to make than almond butter because there isn't as much need to scrape down the processor. It also takes slightly less time to turn buttery.

Peanut butter is such a versatile thing...

Peanut butter and toast. Peanut butter sandwiches. Panini's. Vinaigrette's. Sauces. Delicious oatmeal topper. Cookies. All kinds of desserts including peanut butter pie. Pancakes. Smoothies. I could probably go on-and-on but I'm making myself hungry.

Homemade Creamy Peanut Butter gluten free, vegan (makes 1 1/2 cups)

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Ingredients:

3 cups (15 ounces) unsalted dry roasted peanuts

1/2 tsp sea salt

Directions:

1. Place the peanuts and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Process and scrape down the sides of the bowl until peanuts turn in to a smooth, creamy texture. About 10-15 minutes.
2. Spoon out the peanut butter into a glass jar or airtight container and store in the refrigerator.

*Note* During the processing, the peanuts will turn into a big clump. Keep the processor going and it will start to smooth out around the 9 minute mark. I personally found no need to scrape down the sides of the bowl.

related recipe: maple cinnamon almond butter