Fresh Tomato Bisque

2 lb. ripe tomatoes (about 6)

1 onion, sliced thin

1 tablespoon butter

1 bay leaf

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 whole cloves

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1 tsp. chopped fresh basil

1 pint light cream

1 cup milk

6 large toasted butter croutons

2 tablespoon chopped chives

Instructions:

1. Skin and seed the tomatoes.

2. Chop tomatoes.

3. Sauté onion in butter.

4. Add tomatoes, bay leaf, sugar, cloves, salt, pepper and basil.

5. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes are thoroughly cooked, about 25 minutes.

6. Remove bay leaf and cloves and transfer mixture to blender to purée.

7. Add cream and milk and heat through.

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