tomato soup.

Yum. When I was in college I would frequent this little diner, set up my computer and text books and park in a chair for hours on end. I studied best with absolute silence OR a constant hum of noise—which I somehow managed to block out. This diner was a perfect study spot, and I would frequently order scones and a [bottomless] latte or this creamy tomato soup that I couldn’t get enough of.

This soup reminds me of that soup: flavorful, with fresh herbs with a touch of cream.

I was invited to attend a Muir Glen Tomato event (compliments of Muir Glen) at a local Italian-food join named Spinasse (and Chef Jason Stratton). I had never heard of it, and was tickled to find this little Italian gem serving up quality prosciutto and authentic ragu. It wasn’t hard to say yes: would you come to an Italian joint and eat a tomato-inspired meal? laughable—redundant. You know I am both tomato-centric and hooked, forever, on Italian food.

So I went and happily gnawed on Muir Glen’s reserve tomatoes. And slurped up homemade pasta with ragu. And chatted with some local foodies. It was a great midweek event that smacked of good food and food people. The next day I took some of the Muir Glen tomatoes and made this soup (inspired by 1 of 8 chefs championing Muir Glen: Chef Will Gilson). I put the soup in little jars in my fridge, and ate it for lunch during the week.

Creamy Tomato Soup
serves 6.

1/4 cup olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 T finely chopped garlic
2 cans diced tomatoes, undrained (14.5 oz. cans)
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 T fresh chopped basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Heat olive oil and cook onion, garlic over medium until translucent. Heat on low, add tomatoes, cook for 30 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and puree (I used my hand held immersion blender*).

*I have to mention my blender. This has long been one of my favorite kitchen tools: my cordless hand held immersion blender from Breville. This kudos is from me; they didn’t pay me or send me a free appliance. On the contrary, my blender developed a crack from overuse, and the battery became a bit ineffective. I called them; they were fantastic, had me send my old one to them, and they replaced it free of charge. Already I had an affection for Breville—and my blender in particular. But they deserve a bonus shout-out from this humble little, grateful blogger from the Pacific Northwest. Cheers Breville for great customer service and a brilliant kitchen tool!

Another fun side note: Muir Glen wants you to join their tomato community. Their thank you is a crate of tomato cans (see picture above); it costs you $8 but they pay for shipping.