Tomato Bisque

4 T. butter
1 medium sweet onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans whole tomatoes–about 28 oz.
46 oz. can tomato juice
2 bay leaves
1-8 oz. pkg. cream cheese
1 c. half and half
1 c. heavy cream
1 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper

Melt butter on medium heat in a large stock pot. Sauté onions and garlic for 8 minutes or until onions are translucent. Add cans of tomatoes (not drained), tomato juice and bay leaves. Simmer on medium heat for 20 minutes.

Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes. With a hand blender, pureé the tomatoes. Stir in cream cheese. Return to heat and cook on low. Slowly stir in half and half, heavy cream, salt and pepper.

May top with bacon, croutons or Parmesan cheese.

Serves 8.

Grocery List:

• butter
• sweet onion
• garlic
• whole tomatoes
• tomato juice
• bay leaves
• cream cheese
• half and half
• heavy cream
• salt
• pepper