This quick easy Summer cooler is like “liquid guacamole” that kicked me into a pleasure-induced coma that had me “coat-checking” my teeth and dreaming up a recipe for a “taco in a glass”. I have deliberately kept this soup simple. It is deceptively rich – with a subtle flavor that dances across the palate before leaving a lasting impression. Have a few tastes before you add more pizzazz. Also, allow for some chilling time to allow the flavors to infuse. Traditional gazpacho is made with cold water with purists serving it at room temperature. However, I find that avocados can get a bit warm after being blended; and I prefer to enjoy this soup chilled. I served this soup as a main meal garnished with extra avocado, tomato, cilantro, and green onions. If you serve it with all the toppings in soup bowls – this recipe serves about 4 – 6 people. But, those of you who are less indulgent avocado connoisseurs might find that “a little goes a long way”. If this is the case, you can stretch this recipe to 8 people and serve it in small ramekins or glasses for an appetizer. Alternatively, the base is flavorful enough to stand alone. It has a smooth, creamy texture and flavor and is delicious served as a tiny taster in shot glasses. You could jazz this up with a dash of Tabasco and a sprig of cilantro. Yummo! This recipe is a wonderful allergy-friendly dish for something different on a hot Summer’s day, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, egg-free and soy-free. Thankfully – not taste free!

This scrumptious vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, egg-free smoothie really does taste like a delectable “maple pecan pie in a glass”. Those of you with nut allergies – my profound apologies. There is just no nutty equivalent! In the spirit of replicating my perfect bite of pecan pie I only used 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to keep the sugar content down. I found this was just enough to bring out the natural sweetness in the bananas and take the edge off the pecans. But feel free to sweeten the deal. The pecan milk adds that hint of a nutty pastry flavor, and the cinnamon and vanilla perfect the blend. This smoothie does every creamy bite of mum’s pecan pie justice, and hits the “B spot” on days you are not inclined to bake. This smoothie is absolutely scrumptious. It is like a refreshing Summer chilled dessert in a glass. This is rich! But, I don’t think I will be needing to eat humble pie. YUMMO!

This raw vegan corn salad is super easy and absolutely scrumptious. I have to admit, I am not a huge fan of corn. Well the vegetable variety anyway. I don’t cook with it very often as I can think of so many other more nutritious vegetables I prefer to work with. But there is something about the light zestiness of the lime juice and the heat of the chili that puts a zing in the step of even the most corn-phobic diner and bewitches the palate, creating culinary music of a very simple and universal nature. And the best thing about this salad? It doesn’t taste “corny”!

I have added the quantities of chili, garlic and lime juice that I like. I used frozen corn, but fresh is always best. The best part is, that either way, you don’t have to cook the corn. Just soak it in some hot water for a few minutes and then drain. Throw it together and season to taste. YUM!

This delectable raw vegan chocolate cinnamon mousse is SO easy, and epitomizes the “blend and chow in under 5 minutes” philosophy that I am so fond of. Just throw all the ingredients in your blender and puree until smooth. Adjust the flavorings to your taste. Then chill and devour. How easy is that? This is a fantastic beacon of hope for any chocolate mousse lover looking for an allergy-friendly alternative. This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free and soy free. But definitely not taste free! YUM!