Creamy Strawberry Soup- Vegan and Gluten Free

I'm addicted to this light delicious chilled soup that I've been enjoying in this hot humid weather. 

I know there are many people who just can't wrap their finger around the idea of "chilled soup". I used to be one of them. I guess it's an acquired taste and concept. Call it a smoothie if you don't like the idea of "chilled soup."

The weather has been exceptionally hot and humid, so sometimes I just don't feel like cooking or eating something heavy. This strawberry soup is a great energizer at times when I am feeling drained from the heat. 

I also like to make this easy chilled soup as a starter for a summer dinner when heavy food just doesn't appeal to us. I serve the chilled soup, salad, and a protein. It's dairy-free and parve so it can be served with almost any meal.

It's also great for summer brunch when you have guests. It meets the needs of those who are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan and you can make it in advance.

Mint and Rosewater 
I like to flavor my soup with mint and rose water. If you don't like the taste of rosewater or just don't have any, you could substitute a teaspoon of vanilla extract. However, I REALLY recommend the rose water. Rosewater is available in the specialty aisle of most supermarkets or Indian or Middle Eastern grocery stores. It is also available online. I buy this rosewater (affiliate link) brand.

Strawberries: vitamin C and potassium 
Not only is this chilled soup delicious, but it is also good for you. Strawberries provide valuable vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants such as Vitamin C and potassium. Did you know that strawberries have more Vitamin C than an orange? 

Why I always buy organic strawberries 
Beware! Strawberries are heavily sprayed and rank #1 on the Dirty Dozen list from EWG (Environmental Working Group), which rates fruits and vegetables according to how heavily they are sprayed with pesticides, I always try to buy organic strawberries.

 I found this article online for educational purposes only if you want to view the entire list of the Dirty Dozen fruits and vegetables. (Disclaimer:- I do not endorse or have any affiliation with the EWG or this article that I linked- I am not a medical professional and the info is for educational purposes only) 

Ingredients: 

2 cups of organic strawberries, washed and stem removed 

1/2 cup of nut milk creamer (see notes) 

1 cup and 1/4 of nut milk (I used cashew milk-coconut, almond, or soy is fine)

4 leaves of mint (more for garnish) 

1 tablespoon of rosewater (affiliate link)
3-4 drops of liquid stevia (or 1/4 ripe banana) 

Directions: 

Place everything in the blender. Process on high until well blended. Divide between four 6 ounce glasses or four small bowls and chill for 4 hours. Garnish with a mint leaf and serve. 

Notes: 
Nut milk creamer is available in most supermarkets and of course Whole Food Markets. 

It can also be purchased on Amazon Nut Pods French Vanilla Creamer   (affiliate link). or I have used a brand called Better Half Creamer .

Disclaimer: I am an affiliate for Amazon. If you click on a link from my blog and make a qualified purchase I receive a small compensation at no charge to you. It helps defray the cost of providing a free blog. Thanks for your support!

Peek at My Week 6/28 - Books, Netflix, Cooking

Yes, it's been 3 months and I'm still staying at home. We have done some socializing on our deck, but with just one friend at a time or with my kids and grandkids and 6 feet distance. I do grocery shop as well, but that's it.

Mah Jong tiles (these are flowers)

This post has book reviews, 2 recipes, and Netflix review: 

Zucchini Noodles and Tofu

Can you imagine the taste of the fresh ginger, tomatoes, onion, and zucchini in this flavorful Asian dish?  If you like Asian cuisine, you will love this quick and easy zucchini noodles and tofu recipe that I make every summer.

Peek At My Week 6/19

I can't believe that it's been 3 months since we have been sheltering at home.

People are beginning to ease up a bit and are venturing out somewhat more and actually going into other people's homes and restaurants. 

I haven't ordered any food or eaten out yet, whether inside or outside.

This week I'm sharing 2 book reviews, 1 Netflix review, 2 roasted soup recipes.

My friend Vicki sent me a chart that rates activities according to their risk factor. According to her chart: 

Strawberry Blondies-Gluten Free and Vegan

If you like blondies, you will love these hearty strawberry blondies that I made with local organic strawberries that were big, plump, sweet, and juicy.

I bought 2 pints yesterday and after eating quite a few of them, I decided to bake my strawberry blondies for my grandkids who are coming to dinner tonight. (We will be eating outside on the deck and six feet apart.)

A Peek At My Week 6/13

We are back home, after being away 6 months and a day snowbirding in Florida, well over a week now, and we are just about finished settling in.

Grocery shopping is done, we set up the deck, planted flowers, visited my older son, daughter-in-law, and the grandkids on their deck (had not seen them in 6 months), and have enjoyed the cooler weather (as compared to Miami) for taking walks and sitting outdoors. 

I'm sharing a book review, A TV series review, and 2 vegan/gluten-free recipes.