comfort essentials: cream cheese tomato soup

How To Make comfort essentials: cream cheese tomato soup

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  Step 1
  PREP/PREPARE
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  Step 2
  To make this recipe, you will need a soup pot that is large enough to hold all of the ingredients.
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  Step 3
  Why the sugar? You want to use the sugar only if needed. Here is the problem… some canned tomatoes will have a slightly bitter taste, and just a bit of sugar helps to offset that taste. If you are using really good tomatoes (Cento, Muir Glen, Sciafani, etc.), then you will probably not require the sugar. However, if the tomato base tastes bitter, add the sugar, about 1/4 teaspoon at a time, until the flavors balance out.
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  Step 4
  Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
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  Step 5
  Add the oil to a pot over medium heat.
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  Step 6
  When the pot comes to heat add the onions, carrots, and celery, then sauté until the veggies begin to soften, about 5 – 7 minutes.
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  Step 7
  All stovetops are not created equal. Keep an eye on the veggies, and if they look like they are browning; not softening, then lower the temp.
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  Step 8
  Add the garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 60 seconds.
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  Step 9
  Add the sherry and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits (fonds) that are stuck to the bottom of the pot.
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  Step 10
  Add the veggie stock and stir to combine
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  Step 11
  Add the puree, tomatoes, basil and thyme to the pot and use a wooden spoon to break up the tomatoes into smaller bits, while bringing the pot up to a light simmer.
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  Step 12
  At this point it is time to taste and check for bitterness. Please refer to my note in Step 3.
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  Step 13
  Add the tomato base to a blender (you will probably have to do this in batches), and blend until creamy smooth.
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  Step 14
  Return the blended base to the pot, and slowly bring up to a simmer.
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  Step 15
  Add the cream cheese, and yogurt, then stir to combine.
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  Step 16
  Do a final tasting for proper seasoning; adding a bit of salt and pepper, to taste. I like a lot of salt to accent the tomatoes, and the white pepper adds a burst of sweet heat.
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  Step 17
  Allow to simmer for 10 – 15 minutes.
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  Step 18
  PLATE/PRESENT
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  Step 19
  Serve while nice and warm. Enjoy.
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  Step 20
  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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