B.L.A.T. Gazpacho with Avocado Crème Fraîche

PREP TIME: 10 minutes

COOK TIME: 20 minutes

For the garnish: Preheat the oven to 400°F. On a large sheet pan, toss the bread cubes in olive oil and bake for 12-15 minutes, until crispy and golden.

Meanwhile, heat the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, using a press or the bottom of a smaller pan to keep it from bubbling. Cook until crispy, then let cool on a paper-towel lined plate or baking rack.

Avocado Crème Fraîche: Combine the crème fraîche, avocado, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Set aside or keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

For the gazpacho: Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust salt and hot sauce.

To serve: Ladle gazpacho into serving bowls, top with a generous dollop of avocado crème fraîche, then garnish with sourdough croutons and crumbles of the crispy bacon!

YIELD: 4-6 servings

NOTE: Inspired by Chef Reed Herrick, this recipe for gazpacho only gets better the deeper into tomato season you make it. Served room temperature or chilled with a dollop of avocado crème fraîche, it’s as refreshing as it is flavorful!

Recipe/Photo Credit: CA Grown/James Collier/Paprika Studios