My cousin Eileen

Do you have a nickname? My beautiful cousin Eileen is "Ei" and she calls me "Ka." I love her for so many reasons, and love that she gave me a nickname. Eileen lives on the other coast, so we keep in touch with e mail, and share our love of family, fun and food online.

Here's a recipe Ei sent me recently. It's easy, delicious, and I can think of dozens of ways you could switch it up. My family loved it hot and cold, and in the hot version, I garnished it with plain yogurt and a sprinkle of crushed croutons.

Since we're celebrating 50 years of the Space Needle this year, I photographed it on my Frederick & Nelson World's Fair souvenier plate.

Ei's Zucchini Soup

2 lbs. zucchini, trimmed and cut crosswise into thirds

1 1/2 cup chopped onion

4 minced cloves garlic

1/4 cup olive oil

4 cups broth (veggie or chicken)

1/3 cup packed fresh basil leaves

1 teaspoon salt

Cook onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat, stirring occasionally till softened, about five minutes. Add zucchini and salt and cook, stirring occasionally about five minutes. Add four cups broth, simmer partly covered about fifteen minutes. Carefully puree soup in two batches in blender or food processor. Makes about 6 servings.

Celebrating the seasons with you!---Karin