Gazpacho is one of those dishes that reminds me that summer is in full swing. Ruby red tomatoes are everywhere, and in the Italian market people are practically giving them away. My garden has been bursting with this luscious gems and I'm doing my best to keep up with my eight gigantic plants.

There is simply nothing more satisfying or simple to prepare on a hot day than a cold bowl of summer veggies. Gazpacho is one of those dishes that is great way to clean out your fridge of any left over farm share veggies. This week we got some wonderful cucumbers, green bell peppers, and tomatoes from Lancaster Farm Fresh. Throw everything in the food processor and voilà! You've got summer in a bowl!

Garden Tomato Gazpacho

6 ripe tomatoes, cut into chunks

1/2 large cucumber—peeled, halved, seeded and cut into chunks

1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks

2 garlic cloves, smashed

1 cup water

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons sherry vinegar

Salt

1 cup chilled steamed summer corn

Sriracha & basil, for serving

In a food processor, combine tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, garlic and water and puree until smooth. Slowly add olive oil, vinegar and salt. Serve or refrigerate for 30 minutes. Top with summer corn, basil, fresh olive oil and sriracha. Enjoy!

I have long been a fan of this hearty green, now regarded as a 'super food'. Known for its explosive levels of Vitamin A, C, K, and considerable amounts of cooper, manganese and fiber, kale is the total package. Kale can also boast that it is a strong anti-inflammatory, which for you older and sickly folks is pretty much all you should be eating. But all that aside, how does it taste?

I feel like every time I offer someone kale, they have a horror story of its bitterness and lack luster flavor. I'm sorry for those of you scared by a misguided chef who didn't know what to make of this wonderful green, but please, I beg you to reconsider writing it off! Kale is a hearty and bossy cooking green but is not a one trick pony! This recipe highlights the delicate and rich flavor that kale has to offer, but unlike your usual salad green, kale needs a but more TLC. In order to break down kales firmness it requires a lemon-salt massage. This may seem like a hassle but with all the benefits gained from raw kale, it seems like a pretty fair trade. Kale, which comes in many forms such as curly (pictured above), dinosaur, or red Russian, can stand up to bold flavors of this zesty dressing or a Caesar. Play around with with kale and get your daily values of vitamins!