And So It Begins...

Well I did it!  I finally took my first crochet class (1 of 3)!  I completed a chain stitch flower and 3/4 of a granny square.  With a little learned muscle memory I hope to be crocheting away soon.  So many ideas have already popped into my head!  Little girl hats with switchable flowers, Christmas ornaments, pot holders - I'm sure I will be out of control with crochet madness!

Switching gears, the hubby is still sick so today's soup was Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque.  I will include this recipe also.  Hubby loved it!  I'm sure it would be delicious with a grilled cheese! 

 

Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque

 

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

2 celery stalks (diced)

2 red peppers (seeded and diced)

1 teaspoon minced garlic

2 small zucchini (diced)

2 1/2 - 3 lbs grape tomatoes

4 cups chicken stock

1 Tablespoon sugar

2/3 cup fresh basil, chopped

2 cups half and half

1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese

Salt and Pepper

Butter and Garlic Croutons for topping

 

1.  Heat oil in large pot.  Add celery, red pepper and garlic.  Cook for 2 minutes.  Add zucchini and tomatoes.  Season with salt and cook for 5 minutes.

 

2. Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil.  Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, until tomatoes start to pop.  Press tomatoes against side of pot until crushed...a potato masher would also work.  (Soup will still be chunky, no worries!)

 

3. Remove from heat.  Stir in sugar, couple of shakes of salt and pepper and basil. 

 

4.  Process soup (small batches if needed) in processor or blender until desired consistency.  Pour back into pot and add half and half and parm cheese. 

 

Top with croutons and enjoy!