GAZPACHO
By Maud Desfachelle
Traditionally a Spanish creation from the southern region of Andalusia, a small bowl or cup of coolly refreshing Gazpacho nicely compliments many Cuban dishes. Leftover portions can be kept in a covered juice pitcher for up to a week in the fridge.
Ingredients

(serves four) 4 tomatoes 1 red onion 1 large red bell pepper 1-1/2 cucumber 2 cloves of garlic 1/2 cup of olive oil 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

Note: Apple cider vinegar can be substituted for the white wine variety. You can use 1 fresh red chile or Jalapeno (seeded and roughly chopped) in place of the garlic. Cumin, cayenne and paprika can also be added, depending on your tastes.

Boil some water and throw the tomatoes in for a minute or so to loosen the skin for peeling. Singe the bell pepper over your burner or roast in the oven until the outer skin is blackened. Place the peppers in a paper bag for a minute or two to generate steam, then remove them and run under cold water to loosen the skin for easier peeling. Chop peeled tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and garlic in a blender or food processor until smooth. Season mixture with the olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. I like to add a bunch of freshly chopped parsley for flavor and 1/2 cup of the fleshy middle of a country bread like ciabatta (diced finely) to add some thickness to the soup. Set aside in the fridge for at least 2 hours and serve chilled. Toast rounds spread with some olive oil or anchovies make great accompaniments and give the soup an authentic Andalusian flavor. Finely sliced cucumber and red onion make great garnishes.

MOJITO
By Maud Desfachelle

In Cuban street slang, mojo means “soul;” mojito is the diminutive. You’ll need light rum, fresh lime juice, freshly chopped mint, club soda, and sugar. To make one glass, pour 1 tablespoon of sugar, the juice of 1/2 lime, and one chopped sprig of mint into a tall, chilled glass. To release the mint flavor you’ll need to smash the mint with the back of a spoon or carefully with a pestle. Add crushed ice. Pour 1 healthy shot of rumover the iced mixture and about a shot and-a-half of club soda.