Gazpacho Without The Tomatoes(Mf)

3 slices french bread -- crusts removed

--(1 inch thick) cold water 2 ounces blanched whole almonds -- roughly chopped

1 green bell pepper -- seeded

--and roughly chopped 3 kirby cucumbers -- peeled

--seeded and chopped 3 tablespoons champagne or rice vinegar

1 pinch sugar

1 scallions -- roughly chopped ,

-- (up to 2) 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

4 cups iced cold water -- approximately

salt and freshly ground white pepper --garnish-- seeded finely diced cucumber chives finely diced seeded red bell pepper

Soak the slices of bread in cold water. When tender, squeeze the bread to express the water. In a food processor puree until smooth the almonds, pepper, cucumbers, vinegar, sugar, scallions and olive oil. Slowly add the ice water until you reach the consistency you like; season to taste with salt and pepper. Chill, covered, until serving time; garnish with cucumber, chives and bell pepper.

Busted by Gail Shermeyer <[email protected]> on May 24, 1997