tomato soup

Tomato Basil Soup (can be served warm or cold)
2 shallots, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
12-15 fresh tomatoes, I prefer heirloom types like Brandywine, Mortgage Lifter, Amish Paste or Prudens Purple, and mix the varieties for complexity. Otherwise, Roma is always good as well.
4 cups chicken stock, low sodium
handful fresh basil, chopped
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 cup heavy cream
salt and freshly ground pepper
homemade croutons for garnish

Sizzle the shallots and garlic in the olive oil, add tomatoes, simmer till broken down. Add chicken broth, simmer on slow heat about 20 minutes. Add balsamic vinegar and basil, stir. Lower heat, stir in cream, heat through. Watch so it doesn't scorch. Add salt and pepper to taste, garnish with homemade garlicky croutons.