Creamy Tomato Soup

I have an announcement people!  It is finally the season where eating soup is socially acceptable.  I mean, it could be 105 outside and I would be eating soup but I said it was "socially acceptable" now.  Thank goodness, I get tired of my closet soup eating in the summer months!  Constantly I hear, "How can you eat soup when it is SO HOT outside"?  I ask in return, "How can you drink a cold glass of water when it is SO COLD outside"?  Same diff peeps.  I digress........

This is one of my favorites and I will be the first to admit, I am a Campbell's Tomato Soup fan.  Yes, yes I am.  However, if I can make it myself, with no chemicals and all that ick, why not?  Will it stop me from keeping cans of it in my pantry, no, will it make me want it this way when I have what I need on hand, definitely.  I made this a huge pot, and we had some for lunch today and we might have it for dinner tonight, I don't care, I LOVE it!

Here is a Simmerman family tip.  Do you love grilled cheese with tomato soup?  Make your grilled cheese, make sure it browns maybe a bit further than you would normally take it.  Now let it cool a couple of minutes, cut into cubes.  Yes, that is right, cubes, then float those babies like croutons in your tomato soup.  Can I get a "HELL YEAH"?!?!  Sorry for the language, sometimes, I can't control it. 

So here we go with the easiest, but so yummy creamy tomato soup.  Now, even though you are using crushed tomatoes, I STILL take the time to stick my immersion blender in the soup and give it  a whiz up.  You don't have to by any means or you could use your blender.  I think it just adds a touch more silkiness to it. 

You will need:
28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
2 tsp. salt (or to taste)
2 cups half and half
3/4 cup heavy cream
black pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a pot.  Let this simmer for 20 minutes, with the lid partially off, stirring occasionally to make sure nothing is burning.  Serve with some golden brown grilled cheese, crackers or just by itself!!

Enjoy!

Blast from my past, PORCUPINE BALLS! School Lunch Series

Is my memory serving me when I say we had these for school lunches in elementary school?  I think we always had them with mashed potatoes, which is why I always still serve them with mashed potatoes.  I had forgotten about them for years, and then my sister made them a few years ago and it sparked my porcupine ball love back up and I had to redo them, MY way!!  

Isn't it funny how food can take us to a place, way back when in our minds?  Certain foods (and songs) remind me of certain times in my life,  different experiences or situations and sometimes I let the memory play out in my head and sometimes I shut it off, it wasn't good the first time, and it sure as heck wasn't going to come out any different or better the second time!  

These do use a convenience item of canned tomato soup, but I don't care who ya' are, it is just good sometimes!!  This is a great make ahead and put it in the fridge so it just needs popped in the oven type of meal!  Chefwannabe fans with families, this is a must try for you!  So pay attention and eat ALL of your lunch!!  

 Now lets get started on what we need for 6-8 big balls.

PORCUPINE BALLS
2 lbs ground beef
1 1/2 cups raw minute rice
3 tbsp dry Italian seasoning
1/4 cup dehydrated onion or 2 tbsp fresh grated onion
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp pepper
2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cans of tomato soup

In a bowl combine ground beef, rice, onion, seasoning, salt, pepper, red pepper and 1/2 can of tomato soup.  Use your hands people!  Clean em' up and get em' in there!  Form into balls.  Size is up to you.  Place in 9x13 pan and cover meatballs in remaining tomato soup.  I sprinkle a wee sprinkle of parsley on top or course salt.  Bake at 350 for 30-45 minutes depending on meatball size!  Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans! 

Hope you enjoy my recreated school lunch and take the time to think about your own favorite school lunches and post them, I will try to recreate them as well!!!  Share with me one of your favorite school lunch memories!  

Your "Ord Elementary Alumni" Chefwannabe

Chris