Lisas' tomato soup

 
                             Lisas' Tomato Soup
 
 Recipe By     : Lisa Lepsy
 Serving Size  : 1    Preparation Time :0:25
 Categories    : Appetizers                       Soups & Stews
 
   Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
 --------  ------------  --------------------------------
    2      lbs           ripe tomatoes
    1      medium        onion -- thinly sliced
    1      teaspoon      butter
    1                    bay leaf
    4      teaspoons     brown sugar
    2      teaspoons     fresh basil -- finely chopped
                         or dried 1/2 teaspoon crushed
    2      whole         cloves
    1      teaspoon      salt
      1/2  teaspoon      pepper
    2      cups          half and half
    1      cup           milk
    2      Tablespoons   snipped chives
 
 Peel, seed and coarsley chop tomatoes. (may substitute 2 cans of tomatoes,
 whole , undrained, 20 oz. size) Set aside. In large saucepan cook the onion
 in butter till tender. Add tomatoes, bay leaf, brown sugar, basil, cloves,
 salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and cover. Simmer stirring occasionaly for
 25 minutes or til tomatoes are thoroughly cooked. (decrease time to 15
 minutes if using canned). Remove bay leaf and cloves and slightly cool. Blend
 half the mixture in a food processor or blender, puree then strain. Repeat
 with the other half. Return to saucepan and add the milk and cream and heat
 till hot. Don't boil. Serve sprinkled with the fresh chives.
 
                    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -