Dear Abby >> Years ago, I purchased your recipe booklet which had a very good recipe for gazpacho (no oil in the recipe).

I no longer have that booklet. Could you print the gazpacho recipe? Also, is the booklet still available? There were several other dishes in it I enjoyed preparing. Thank you.

— Brenda B. in Boston

Dear Brenda >> I’m pleased to share the gazpacho recipe. It’s a light, refreshing and healthy accompaniment to a spring or summer meal, and is included in the first of my Cookbooklet set.

INGREDIENTS

4 1/2 cups tomato juice

3 cups finely chopped tomatoes

1 1/2 cups finely chopped peeled cucumbers

1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

2 1/4 tablespoons vinegar

4 dashes Tabasco sauce

Salt, pepper, garlic, garlic salt or garlic juice to taste

Spike seasoning, if desired.

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients, and mix well. For a spicier gazpacho, add 1-2 dashes of Spike. Chill 1 to 2 days to blend the flavors. Serve in cups with a thin slice of lemon as garnish.

Tip: Using a food processor to chop the vegetables makes it swift and easy. Yield: 8 (1/2 cup) servings

To order the Cookbooklet set, send your name and address, plus check or money order for $16 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mt. Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price. There is an assortment of recipes in these booklets, ranging from appetizers and soups to main courses, side dishes and delicious desserts. Some of those dessert recipes won blue-ribbon prizes at county fairs, and I’m sure you will enjoy the introduction, which contains tips on entertaining. As my mother used to say, “It’s not what’s on the table that makes a successful party, it’s who you put in the chairs.”