Lots of snow and a great Tomatoe basil soup

Cold snowy morning, dog on me feet, cat on my lap and coffee at my elbow, what more can you ask for.

Days are busy and the joys of self employment abound. Have you ever stopped to think, the joy of payday only works if you are receiving not giving.

Christmas is fast approaching and as always I haven't finished my shopping (ok ok I haven't even started) and the advertising is bombarding us from all angles, the Pantagraph newspaper requires two hands to lift, radio is full of advertising and TV is a wasteland of poor programming and distasteful advertising geared to a fourth grade intellect (Vonage phone company, Target, some of the worst). You would think that retailers could figure out if the add is bad enough and irritating enough that the only reason i commit brand recognition to memory is to be sure I don't purchase accidentally and to knock company at any opportunity.

I think AOL may be screwing with me . I hit save and went back to first page where they insist on running banner advertising and what do I see an add for "Vonage" This is a vile product based on their vile advertising if possible I would vote for the banishment of the company. (Incensed me incensed surely  you jest)

 

 

TOMATO AND BASIL SOUP  

1 medium onion
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 large cans whole tomatoes or a dozen or so fresh roma and hothouse
4 cups chicken broth
6 sprig basil tied with string loop that you can pull back out of soup
1 teaspoon minced shallot
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 cup heavy cream
salt and freshly ground black pepper
basil leaves sliced in thin strips

Sauté sliced onion in olive oil in a heavy bottomed pan and cook over medium heat until soft, about 7 minutes.

Tie basil together with twine (or just slice into strips).

Add tomatoes chopped in large pieces, basil, chicken broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, lower heat and reduce soup by 1/4.

Remove basil bunch (if used) and puree soup mixture.

Heat soup, add balsamic vinegar and stir in heavy cream.

Serve with a basilgarnish.

Also delicious served cold!

OR

Buy canned Progresso Basil Tomato add a teaspoon of sugar and heat. Excellent and quick to heat