Smooth Vegetable Gazpacho with Watermelon Pieces (serves 4) about 11 heirloom tomatoes —
skin and seeds removed (you might have to blanch them quickly so that the
skin comes
off easier) 4 small pickling cucumbers or 1 - 2 large cucumbers — peeled, seeds removed 1 cup packed basil leaves or more to taste 1 cherry pepper or another hot pepper to taste — seeded 1 - 2 garlic cloves (optional, if you like a more pronounced flavour) 1 small
shallot (optional, same reason as above) 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon sea salt freshly ground black pepper — to taste ripe, chilled watermelon — cut into bite - size pieces