According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there are five elements that contribute to all activities: TREE / WOOD, FIRE, SOIL / EARTH, METAL and WATER.

Fire is the element of summer … so how can this help to put more of YOU in summer? The more you use EnergyRich™ Seasonal Foods (rather than associational season foods – a-hem like, maybe, ice-cream?), the more energy you have available for fun!

Here is a perfect EnergyRich™ recipe for the summer:

Mediterranean Grilled Vegetable Soup

2 red bell peppers, cored, seeded and quartered lengthwise
1 yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded and quartered lengthwise
2 small zucchini (1/2 lb. total), trimmed and quartered lengthwise
1 red onion, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
1 tsp. olive oil
3 large vine-ripened tomatoes (1 1/4 lbs.), cored and chopped
1 clove garlic, peeled
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 cup shredded basil leaves
1 Tbsp. red-wine vinegar

Pinch of salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Instructions

1 - Prepare a grill or preheat the broiler. 2 - Grill or broil bell peppers, skin-side toward the flame, until the skin is blackened, 5 to 10 minutes. 3 - Place in a paper bag and set aside for 15 minutes. 4 - Brush zucchini and onion slices with oil and grill or broil until well browned and tender, about 5 minutes. 5 - Chop coarsely and set aside. 6 - Peel the peppers. 7 - Coarsely chop the yellow pepper and set aside with the reserved zucchini and onions. 8 - Place the red peppers in a food processor or blender, along with tomatoes, garlic and oregano; puree until smooth. 9 - Transfer to a bowl and stir in 1 cup water, basil, vinegar and the reserved chopped vegetables. 10 - Season with salt and pepper. 11 - Cover and refrigerate until cool, about 30 minutes. (The soup can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.)

To your health and success, Heather