Tomato Basil Bisque

Ingredients

• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 4 tablespoons butter

• 1 (28 ounce) can whole tomatoes

• 1 (46 ounce) can tomato juice
• 2 bay leaves

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
• 1 pint half-and-half
• salt and pepper
• lemon juice
• 3/4 cup fresh sweet basil, chopped

Directions

1. 1

   Saute the onions and garlic in the butter until soft.

2. 2

   Add the tomatoes, tomato juice, and bay leaves; simmer for 20 minutes.

3. 3

   Remove from heat and let cool.

4. 4

   Drain the tomatoes, reserving the juice, and puree them in a blender or food processor with the cream cheese.

5. 5

   Mix the puree with the reserved juice.

6. 6

   Add the light cream and season to taste with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

7. 7

   Add freshly chopped sweet basil.

8. 8

   Simmer for 10 minute and serve with bread bowls.