creamy avocado gazpacho...YUM!!!!

This recipe was sooooo good when I made it the other day. If you haven't tried it, TRY IT, it's so easy and quite filling from one bowl. The recipe yields two bowls. It's perfect for the summertime! Oh, and if you don't like avocado, just give it a try because the texture is different and everything together tastes perfect. I didn't have syrup so I used some organic raisins.

http://www.rawfoods.com/recipes/avogaz.html

CREAMY AVOCADO GAZPACHO
Courtesy of http://www.vegparadise.com/

1 C. (237 ml) water
Flesh of 1 medium avocado, reserving 1 T. for garnish
2 C. (480 ml) chopped cucumber
1 1/2 C. (355 ml) chopped tomatoes
1/2 to 1 Serrano chile, with seeds, sliced (optional)
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 sprig mint leaves
Juice of 2 lemons or limes
1/2 t. salt
1 t. maple syrup (can use dates or honey to sweeten)

2 small mint leaves
Paprika (optional)

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender in the order listed. Start blender on low speed for a few seconds, then switch to high. Blend until creamy and smooth, about 1 1/2 minutes.
2. Pour into 2 soup bowls. Dice reserved avocado and gently drop them into the center of the bowl. Add a mint leaf and sprinkle diced avocado with paprika if desired. Serves 2.