Toasted cheese sandiwiches and tomato soup

Who rmemembers toasted cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.   A right of childhood along with watermelon, s'mores, licking the beaters , and ice cream cones.  LOL 

I have long been hunting for a scratch (not canned ) recipe for tomato soup.   Till now I have resorted to the box of tomato and roasted red pepper soup from Costco.   Its a lot more money at other stores, but you can get it at costco for about two dollars when they have it.   

We use it as a base and add cream, basil, and blue cheese.   Yum.   Blue cheese is a ingredient that either you like or you dot like.   You could sub Romano or parm.   

I did find a new recipe that can be adapted to work .  

Tomato soup with basil 

2 cans of diced tomatoes , crushed. ***

1-1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth **

1/2 tsp each of onion powder, garlic powder , sugar 

1Tablespoon dried basil, 

6 Tablespoons of orzo 

1/2 cup cream **

3T parm**

1. Crush tomatoes by putting in a blender or using a potato masher or stick blender..
2. In a slow cooker or a stock pot. Place tomatoes broth and seasonings.   Bring to a boil over med high heat and reduce heat to a simmer.   Simmer 15 minutes . 
3. Add cooked orzo and cream.  
4. Serve with parmesean for garnish.  

Notes: 

Buying one kind of tomatoes makes your pantry simple and facilitates getting a RBP. 

Scratch broth is best but in a pinch, there is granules and better than bouillon

. 

Substitute milk if you dont have cream.   Whole milk powder is a good substitute and you ca make just what you need.   

I buy any hard cheese that is the cheapest when I needn't to buy it.   Parmesan cheese in a brick is good, buy Romano or another that comes in a wedge at costco is good too.    Its a expense, but will last for a long time.   

Substitute cooked rice if you dont have orzo.   Good way to use leftovers.   

Toasted cheese on www.janefrugalfood.blogspot.com