There were 10 large tomatoes in my CSA box today.  Here’s something wonderful to do with them, adapted from “Poor Girl Eats Well.”

Gazpacho
                                                                                                  
5 large, very ripe tomatoes                                                           
1 medium cucumber, unpeeled
1 small bell pepper, red or green as you prefer
1 small red onion
1 large carrot

1 T finely chopped hot pepper (serrano, jalapeno)  
1/2 t crushed red chili flakes                                                    
2 large garlic cloves
2 c tomato juice
1/4 c olive oil
2 T balsamic vinegar
Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:
1.  Dice and mix together the onion, bell pepper, carrot and cucumber.  Separate into two equal batches, but put one batch in a large serving bowl (or pot) and the other in a small bowl.
2.  Chop the tomatoes.  Add one cup of the chopped tomatoes to the small bowl of vegetables to use later.  Add the rest of the tomatoes to the large serving bowl filled with chopped vegetables.
3.  Add the tomato juice, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to the serving bowl, now filled with tomatoes and vegetables.  Slowly puree the mixture using a blender or hand mixer.
4.  Finally, pour the reserved vegetables (from step 1) and tomatoes (from step 2) into the serving bowl.  Adjust seasoning and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes. 
5.  Garnish with cilantro, chopped scallions, or grated carrot, as you like, and serve.
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