green

means life. demonstrates growth. indicates nutrient-rich. assures well-being. symbolizes hope.

summer isn’t quite over in nashville. as i type, it is currently 90 degrees. hot. blinding sunlight is kept at bay by my green drapes, but rays seep through, casting a naturally invigorating glow across my room. i am content. as the summer blesses us with a few final, warm days, i enjoy a few final, summer meals. i eagerly anticipate the coming fall season and its likely companions: the delicious produce the earth it brings, the cool, crisp air, the sweet, musty smell of leaves. but, as i said, it’s still 90 degrees here, and so i today, in my green room with my green drapes and my green walls, i enjoyed a beautiful, light, and fresh summer soup. it was, of course, green.

hurry, make this before summer departs, taking its green with it.

chilled edamame soup. adapted from food & wine magazine. serves 4.

1 T butter

1 medium onion, finely chopped

4 cups water (or chicken stock)

2 cups frozen, shelled edamame

salt

1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or creme fraiche)

2 t finely grated fresh ginger

fresh cilantro

1 T fresh lime juice

1. in a medium saucepain, melt the butter. add the onion, cook over moderate heat until softened, about seven minutes. add three cups of water and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. add the edamame and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. allow to cool slightly, then puree in a blender until smooth. transfer the soup to a bowl and chill for at least three hours.

2. whisk the remaining cup of water and the lime juice into the soup and season with salt to taste. in a small bowl, combine the ginger with the greek yogurt or creme fraiche. ladle the soup into bowls, and drizzle with the ginger mixture. serve very cold.

3. i served this light snack with multi-grain crackers topped with herbed chevre and green grapes. for the topping: combine chopped fresh cilantro and softened chevre. spread onto your choice of crackers or flatbread and top with sweet green grapes.