My favorite parts of Camino Island were the lively dinner parties hosted at the home of romance novelists Myra Beckwith and Leigh Trane. Their “quirky and engaging” home is the setting of stimulating conversations held between their guests, members of Camino Island’s literary community. Though Bruce Cable’s Bay Books is the financial hub where local writers showcase their works, Myra and Leigh’s home is the hearth, where the writers gather to feast on seasonal dishes and make friendly jabs at their own works and each other’s.

Myra Leigh’s Summer Gazpacho is served at one of their dinner parties, and for good reason – it is oh so easy to make for a crowd! It is named for the pen name Myra and Leigh used to sell their first romance novel, a clever combination of their first names. And how could it be named otherwise? Myra and Leigh operate in perfect syncopation, as do the flavors in this dish.

 

Ingredients

6 ripe tomatoes, about the size of baseballs

½ cucumber

1 large bell pepper – red looks best, but any color will work!

½ shallot

2 garlic cloves

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons sherry

3 tablespoons olive oil

Cherry tomatoes, for garnish

Basil, for garnish

Makes about 6 servings*

 

Directions

Cube a ½ cucumber that has been peeled & seeded and place in a large bowl (this will be thrown into a blender or food processor, so it doesn’t have to be perfect. Just chop into smaller pieces). Similarly, chop large bell pepper and add to bowl.

Scoop the seeds out of the tomatoes, chop, and add to bowl. Chop and add ½ shallot to bowl. Using a garlic press or crushing with the blade of your knife (carefully!), add 2 garlic cloves to bowl. Add 1 teaspoon salt and 2 tablespoons sherry to bowl. Mix to combine, then let sit for 30 minutes so that the flavors can mix.

After 30 minutes, add 3 tablespoons olive oil to the mixture. Transfer the mixture (including juices) to a blender or food processor and purée. Chill for an hour, if desired.

Serve with bread and garnish with quartered cherry tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. Enjoy!

 

To impress your guests with a late summer meal, serve with Bruce Cable’s Lemon Daiquiris.

 

As the islands that inspired “Camino Island” buckle down for Hurricane Irma, please consider donating to the American Red Cross. Even the smallest donations can make a world of difference to affected families.