TOMATO BASIL RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes and the stock. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook until soup is slightly thickened, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the basil.
• Place the pot of soup directly in sink, and using a stick blender, blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

Steps:

• Whisk together chopped garlic, vinegar, salt, pepper, and basil.
• When combined slowly drizzle in oil.
• Add tomatoes and let sit for 20 minutes at room temp.
• Meanwhile back at the bat cave, toast the bread.
• This can be done either in the toaster (if it's got really wide slots) or under the broiler (if using this method watch closely so it doesn't become a brickette).
• When the bread is toasted rub each piece, on one side, with the whole garlic pieces.
• Place the bread on a cookie sheet and top with tomato mixture.
• Sprinkle on a little cheese and broil till the cheese melts (you can skip that last broiling bit and it's equally as wonderful).
• Serve immediately.
• The tomato mixture also makes a wonderful vinegrette for an antipasto salad.
• Enjoy!