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 Energy 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 energy and success,