Garden-Fresh Tomato Soup Recipe

• Prep: 20 min. Cook: 40 min.
• Yield: 8 Servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 4 fresh basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2-1/2 pounds diced fresh ripe tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3-3/4 cups chicken broth, divided
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• CROUTONS:
• 8 slices day-old French or Italian bread
• 1 large garlic clove, sliced lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

• In a large kettle, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high. Add onions and seasonings. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft. Add the tomatoes and paste. Stir to blend. Simmer 10 minutes.
• Place the flour in a small bowl and stir in 1/4 cup chicken broth. Stir into the tomato mixture. Add the remaining broth. Simmer 30 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Allow mixture to cool and run through a sieve, food mill or food processor. Return the pureed mixture to the kettle. Add the sugar and cream. Heat through, stirring occasionally.
• To prepare the croutons, rub the garlic over both sides of the bread. Brush with olive oil and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until toasted. Turn and toast other side 2-3 minutes. Just before serving, top each bowl with one or two croutons. 

Can't believe it!! It snowed this morning!!.  Dan told me this before he left for work.  It has melted.  So, we will not get to use our new sled:(  That would have been fun!!

Hope to take the dog out in a while.  I need to get out there and do some walking.  I am working Thursday through Saturday. 

Newt week we go on our trip.  I am looking forward to going.

I bought this new hand lotion.  Boy does it stink!!  I will have to see if I could give it to some one.  I checked it out before I bought it but, I don't think so:(