Radish Emergency = Radish Solution

Walking through the kitchen garden last week I came across a real problem. The radishes were ready to pull from the dirt, and not just a couple, but all of them, and immediately. It was a problem - a real radish emergency.I sent out an email to the eager cooks who follow The Farm Cooking School's events and got a great, last-minute response. This Sunday, we gathered in the garden, pulled the radishes and made ourselves a 4-course summer lunch, starting with this über-refreshing farmy soup.This couldn't be easier to make - the whole thing gets whizzed in the blender until it's smooth, and, that's it.If you find yourself with a radish problem, this soup is part of the solution.

Chilled Buttermilk-Radish Soup

Makes about 4 cups1/2 lb radishes, halved3/4 lb seedless cucumber, peeled and chopped2 cups well-shaken buttermilk1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar1 teaspoon sugar or honeyGarnish: thin slices of radish and cucumberPuree all the ingredients (except the garnish, obviously) in a blender until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve garnished with the radish and cucumber slices.