Chef Chuck's Gazpacho

Gazpacho


A refreshing blend of organic garden vegetables makes this cold soup quite delightful. This soup has a clean refreshing flavor. An ancient recipe sure to please any vegetarian.


2 pounds ripe tomatoes
1/2 cucumber, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 red pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons ricotta cheese
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, crushed
salt and pepper to taste


Cut tomatoes in half, place on a baking sheet along with the peppers and roast on broil in oven till soft and blackened. Let cool, and remove skins and place in a bowl. Add all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend till you get a smooth consistency. Refrigerate and serve chilled.
Optional: Chop a few vegetables small to place on top of soup, for additional texture.

Chef Chuck's Chocolate Mascarpone Torta

Chocolate Mascarpone Torta


A moist chocolate torta with mascarpone cheese is heavenly. Mascarpone is an Italian cream cheese, similar to cream cheese, but richer and creamier. This recipe was inspired by a friend, although I changed the recipe to give it an Italian flair.


Cheese Batter
4 ounces mascarpone or
cream cheese
2 ounces sugar
1 egg
pinch of salt
chocolate chips

Chocolate Batter
1 1/2 cups sifted flour
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla


Beat cream cheese till soft add sugar, salt and egg, beat till smooth, set aside.
Using a mixer combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Add water, olive oil, vinegar, and vanilla. Scrape down and mix till combined. Use a 9 inch greased torta pan, fill half way then spread the cheese batter around in a swirl and drop chocolate chips in the cheese. Or you can make cupcakes using paper liners, fill half way, place 1 teaspoon of cheese mixture in the middle and place 3 or 4 chips in the center. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.
Tip: May have some batter left over if making the torta, I made a few cupcakes!