Fresh Tomato Soup
Saute' one large onion, chopped fine in 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Add:
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
6 fresh basil leaves chopped (or a few more if you like basil)
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 pounds fresh tomatoes peeled and chopped
Simmer 30 minutes
Add:
3 cups chicken broth (I use vegetarian "chicken" broth)
2 teaspoons sugar
Simmer another 30 minutes or so.
When you are ready to serve, stir in 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. The soup will foam a bit. This reduces the acid and will help insure that your milk or cream doesn't curdle.
Then add some milk, half and half, or cream, whichever you prefer to the soup. I put between 1 1/2 cups and 2 cups in depending on what I have on hand.
Warm through, but don't boil.
It's ready to eat! And I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.