I know - 9 months without a single post - simply inexcusable, work and other distractions notwithstanding. But as I sit in my office, wishing the A/C was working, I found myself dreaming about the cold cantaloupe soup I first had one night on Cary Street in Richmond, Va. It was so refreshing and flavorful that I went out the next day, bought the ingredients and made it for Robby and me and a guest. It was such a hit that I made it again on Mother's Day for my kids and Lea's family, and again, it was a big hit. Make it yourself - it will make this most recent spate of humid heat bearable, I promise. And you won't have to even look at the stove.


Cold Cantaloupe Soup


1 lusciously ripe cantaloupe, peeled, seeded and cut into small pieces
1 whole lime - zest and juice
some flavored seltzer - lime or mandarin orange or plain are best
a teaspoon or more of honey, to taste


Puree the melon using your hand held stick blender in a large pitcher. Using a zester, scrape the zest of the lime into the pureed melon, then cut the lime open and add its juice (use a reamer to get it all out). Add seltzer until it is a soupy consistency. Add a bit of honey and chill before serving.


While it chills, pour a cold glass of seyval blanc from Clinton Vineyards, put your feet up, and dream about tropical breezes.