Tomato Bisque With Garlic Croutons

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What a creamy delicious soup. The garlic-herb cheese called for is a boursin cheese, but i guess you could use a cream cheese for it. I doubt it would taste the same. I always use the fresh herbs for the bread, but you could use dried. Be sure to half the herbs if using dried instead of fresh.

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Steps

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For the tomato bisque: in a large soup pot melt bacon fat , add onions and celery.

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Cook onions and celery until translucent , do not brown.

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Add tomatoes , basil and cook for 2 minutes.

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Add tomato juice , v-8 juice , tomato paste , chicken stock and simmer 15 minutes.

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Add heavy cream and bring back to a boil.

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Turn off heat and add the tub of cheese.

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Add salt and pepper to taste.

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For the garlic croutons: in a large bowl , mix all ingredients together.

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Place the ingredients on a baking sheet and bake at 325f until a golden brown , approximately 15 minutes.

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Final presentation: place soup in bowl , add croutons in soup and garnish with chives.

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Ingredients

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bacon fat, onion, celery ribs, tomatoes, basil, tomato juice, vegetable juice, tomato paste, chicken stock, heavy cream, garlic & herb spreadable cheese, salt and pepper, chives, french baguette, olive oil, thyme, parsley, rosemary, granulated garlic