Our Favorite Gazpacho - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups tomato juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 -3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons minced parsley
1 cup peeled finely chopped tomatoes (may use drained canned tomatoes)
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup finely chopped cucumber
1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper
1/3 cup finely chopped green onion
Homemade Croutons
2 tablespoons butter
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup bread cubes (from 1 slice bread)

Preparation

Early in the day, combine all but the crouton ingredients in glass bowl and stir to mix. Cover and chill thoroughly several hours (or overnight).
To prepare Homemade Croutons, melt butter in small skillet; add minced garlic and saute very briefly. Add bread cubes, cut from day-old bread, tossing to coat. Saute until crisp and golden. You may want to double the crouton recipe.
To serve, ladle into chilled soup bowls. Pass Homemade Croutons separately for diner to spoon atop their gazpacho.