ZESTY GAZPACHO

1 small red onion

1 small green bell pepper
1 cucumber
2 celery stalks
3 large ripe tomatoes
1 garlic clove, crushed
18-oz tomato juice
18-oz vegetable juice cocktail
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
seasoned croutons for garnish, optional
sliced green onions for garnish, optional

Chop the onion, bell pepper, unpeeled cucumber, celery, and tomatoes; combine in a large bowl tossing gently to mix.

Stir the garlic into the vegetables. Add both juices and the vinegar; mix well.

Add the olive oil, salt, and pepper to the bowl; stir to blend.  Cover and chill until serving time.

To serve, ladle gazpacho into soup bowls and garnish with the croutons and/or green onions, if desired.

Yield: 6 servings

This is  an Easy Everyday Cooking Recipe and photo From COOK'S.