![\"Bast](\"https:\/\/marigoldonline.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/07\/Bast-Daysign.jpg\")
<\/a>60th<\/sup> Street in Manhattan closes from Lexington over to Fifth Avenue every year on Bastille Day. In all honesty, it\u2019s a typical hot, crowded street fair but with some French twists including many stalls selling macaroons and crepes; a stall with French books, <\/a>previously-ordered picnic lunches; information on the Alliance Fran\u00e7ais housed on 60th<\/sup>, and French magazines. I overheard a young woman on her phone who either missed history class or Les Mis\u00a0 (book, Broadway, movie) telling someone \u201cIt\u2019s some kind of French day here.\u201d So much for \u201cto the barricades.\u201d <\/a><\/p>\nThe Alliance is a great place that shows French films, displays art; offers excellent French language classes and has children\u2019s programs including a preschool that combines French and American teaching methods.\u00a0 <\/span>There is also a wonderful library, said to be the leading French library in the U.S.<\/p>\n Much as I love Paris, it wouldn\u2019t be wonderful in today\u2019s heat which is in the nineties. Lately it\u2019s been raining suddenly and violently all over the Northeast as it does in the tropics; now apparently we\u2019re in for a major heat wave. The idea of cooking becomes less appealing as the temperature soars so cold soup made quickly in a blender is in order.<\/p>\n This recipe serves eight generously but you can easily do the math and cut down the amount. It\u2019s deliciously tangy and a beautiful color. The last time I served it, I used mugs; if you have glass cups or bowls, they would show off your efforts well.<\/p>\n Cold Avocado Soup <\/span><\/b><\/b><\/p>\n 1 seedless cucumber, chopped<\/span><\/p>\n 2\u00a0medium avocado<\/span>s<\/span>, peeled and pitted<\/span><\/p>\n 2\u00a0shallots,<\/span> chopped<\/span><\/p>\n 4\u00a0tablespoon(s) plain yogurt <\/span><\/p>\n 4\u00a0tablespoon(s) fresh mint (or less)<\/span><\/p>\n More fresh mint to garnish<\/span><\/p>\n 8\u00a0teaspoon(s) fresh lime juice <\/span><\/p>\n 1\u00a0teaspoon salt (probably not enough<\/span>—<\/span> start with one and add after tasting)<\/span><\/p>\n 1\/2\u00a0teaspoon(s) ground black pepper<\/span><\/p>\n 1\/2\u00a0teaspoon(s) ground cumin<\/span><\/p>\n 2\u00a0radishes, chopped<\/span><\/p>\n Place the cucumber, avocado, shallot, yogurt, 2 tablespoons mint, lime juice, salt, pepper, cumin, and 1 cup cold water in a blender, and process until smooth.<\/span><\/p>\n Chill for at least 1 hour. Serve garnished with the<\/span> chopped<\/span> radish<\/span>es<\/span> and remaining mint leaves. (Note: the amounts of some ingredients are left vague so you can adjust to your taste. I upped the yogurt\u00a0 in the soup and added a dollop under the chopped radishes on top, skipping the additional mint.) \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 60th Street in Manhattan closes from Lexington over to Fifth Avenue every year on Bastille Day. In all honesty, it\u2019s a typical hot, crowded street fair but with some French twists including many stalls selling macaroons and crepes; a stall … Continue reading <\/a><\/p>\n
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