Around this time in the Pacific Northwest, the end of the tomatoes season brings us fruit that is just about as good as it gets. If you are lucky enough to have your own tomato plants, you know that this is usually when we are picking the last of fruit and it all seems to come at once! In any way you can, get your hands on your favorite variety and try this modified Glass Vodka Tomato soup recipe inspired Cristina and Jose Chesa, owners of Spanish destination Ataula in NW Portland.

Glass Vodka Tomato Soup

Serves 4-6 (yields 1 liter)

8 ripe tomatoes, diced
1 cup strawberries, diced
½ cup cucumber, diced
½ cup red bell pepper, diced
½ cup Anaheim Pepper, diced
½ cup Walla Walla sweet onions, diced
3 garlic cloves, diced
1 cup French bread, can be cubed or torn into chunks
1-2 cups olive oil
1 cup Glass Vodka
2 cups water, to taste
Sherry vinegar, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste 

Place all vegetables, fruit and bread into a blender and mix until smooth, 4-5 minutes on medium speed. Add the olive oil and sherry vinegar and season to taste. Add Glass Vodka then the water to desired texture and taste, then add salt and pepper to taste. Bring mixture to boil for 8 minutes and serve piping hot with a chunk of hot fresh French bread.