I wasn't feeling the best and had very little appetite, which for me is a huge indicator of the state of my health. Anyhow, I had to eat something simply because eating was a prerequisite for taking the medication. I searched and searched my food memories, trying to find something palatable. Finally, it hit me! A tomato soup I had cooked once upon a time using canned tomatoes, roasted in the oven! I remembered it being easy-peasy and that fact was super appealing to my sad state of being. I had only prepared it once, so the details were hazy, and as I came to find out, the name of the recipe was too. I remembered Pinning it and did a search in my Pins for "Tomato Basil Soup". After searching through my Pins and doing a broader Pinterest search for fifteen minutes, the recipe was nowhere to be found. However, I did find one that I was about ready to settle for when I had the incredible idea of being less specific and search for plain "tomato soup". Well, there it was! It was not "tomato basil", but "tomato balsamic". I was ecstatic about finding it until I read that it required an hour in the oven! It was getting late and I knew there would have to be A CHANGE OF PLANS. I came up with the idea of combining the best of both recipes for the win.

The following recipe is tasty, hearty, simple, and best of all, quick as far as homemade soups go. My family loved it; it was just what my blah taste buds needed, and served with the hubs' special grilled cheese sandwiches, a definite keeper!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 28 oz Cans of Whole Peeled Tomatoes
• 5 Cloves Garlic, Casing Removed
• 32 oz Beef, chicken, or vegetable broth
• 1 Large Onion, Rough Chop
• 2 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
• 1.5 T Dried basil
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/2 - 1 Cup Heavy Cream or Half 'n Half
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a deep pot, place tomatoes, garlic, onion, broth, balsamic vinegar, and basil. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes until garlic and onion are soft. Turn off heat. Add butter and allow to melt. Blend with immersion blender until desired consistency. Add cream slowly while blending. Heat on low 5-10 minutes to allow cream to warm. Do NOT boil! Add salt and pepper, if needed. Serve.