Soup's on - Tomato Basil

I wanted soup and sandwiches because it's a fall thing to me. So, I came up with my version of tomato basil soup based on what I had on hand. Sub out whatever tomato products you happen to have. I dont think you can mess this up and whatever you do will put Campbell's to shame!

Joni's Tomato Basil Soup

6-8 medium tomatoes

2 T tomato past

1 can chicken broth

1 can water

1/2 medium onion

1 clove garlic

1 sweet red pepper

1 T canola oil

1 cup basil leaves

Salt/pepper to taste

1/2 cup fat free half and half (any milk product would work)

1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)

1/4 cup butter (I used Smart Balance)

Saute onions, garlic and peppers in canola oil until soft. Add broth, water, tomatoes, tomato paste and basil. Simmer 30 minutes. Using a blender, food processor or immersion blender, blend until smooth. (If using a blender or food processor, make sure you vent the top a bit and only blend in small batches - don't burn yourself!). Return to pot and add half and half, butter and cheese while on LOW heat. Take off heat, garnish with more cheese and serve.

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The sandwich part of "soup and sandwich" was really good and used up some leftovers.

Stack the following:

1/2 Arnold's bread round (just use one circle - this is open-faced)

2 tsp Alfredo sauce

1tsp real bacon bits

shredded chicken

cheddar cheese

I put these in my convection oven at 375 degrees until the top was browned. If you dont have a convection oven, I would broil for a few minutes to get the top browned. These were YUM!