It is cold here and the kids are home on break so this is a perfect lunch. Actually this soup is the best --- great for company too!

In Texas there is a wonderful restaurant, La Madeleine,  that serves the most delicious Tomato Basil Soup. La Madeleine would not reveal the recipe for it's soup, however  the recipe was out there.   Apparently the company allowed it to be published in a charity cookbook early  on, before it became a favorite of everyone. Then one day the recipe appeared in a press kit for La Madeleine's 15th birthday. This recipe was published in the Dallas Morning News and my sweet aunt forwarded it to me.  This recipe isn't quite as chunky or as rich as La Madeleine's but it is still soooo good.

La Madeleine Tomato-Basil Soup

Ingredients

4 cups tomatoes, peeled, cored and chopped, or 4 cups canned whole tomatoes, crushed
4 cups tomato juice
12 - 14 washed fresh basil leaves, plus additional for garnish, chopped
1 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup sweet, unsalted butter, softened
Salt to taste
1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Crusty bread (optional)

Directions

Combine tomatoes and juice in saucepan. Simmer for 30 minutes over
medium-low heat. Cool slightly, then place in a blender or food
processor. Add basil and process to puree; this will have to be done in
batches.

Return mixture to saucepan. Add cream and butter. Stir over low heat
until butter and cream are incorporated. Stir in salt and pepper before
serving. Garnish with more fresh basil and serve with fresh, crusty
bread. Makes 8 servings.

Per serving: Cal 237  Fat 22g  Fiber 1g  Chol. 67 mg  Sodium 165 mg  Carbs 10g  Calcium 45g

Recipe by: La Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe, Dallas TX

Notes: When I don't have fresh basil I use 1 Tablespoon dried. When making this soup for my family for a quick meal I often use half and half in place of the the heavy cream and cut back on the butter.  It is still yummy, but the real thing is divine!

Looking for something quick and yummy for New Year's Eve? I love these recipes.

From Bon Appetit,

Grilled Pesto Breadsticks with Goat Cheese-Pesto Spread

Ingredients

• 11 ounces soft fresh goat cheese (such as Montrachet), room temperature
• 2 7-ounce containers prepared pesto

• 1 1-pound French bread baguette, cut into 6-inch lengths
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Directions

Purée goat cheese in processor.Mix in 7 ounces pesto. Transfer to medium bowl.(Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill. Bring to room temperature before serving). Can also be frozen, thaw completely before serving.

Prepare grill (medium-high heat). Halve each bread piece lengthwise, then cut each half lengthwise into 1 1/4-inch-wide strips. Combine 7 ounces pesto and oil in small bowl. Brush bread with pesto mixture. Grill until brown, about 45 seconds per side. Serve with cheese spread. The breadsticks can also be toasted in the oven on broil.

From Guy Fieri,

Pomodoro Fresco Sourdough Bruschetta

Ingredients

• 1 (12 to 16-inch) sourdough baguette
• 2 garlic cloves, halved plus 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish
• 2 cups diced Roma tomatoes
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Cut the baguette in half lengthwise, place on a sheet tray and bake in the oven until lightly brown. Rub with the garlic cloves. Drizzle with 2 ounces of the olive oil and sprinkle with the Parmesan. Return to oven to melt cheese.

In a medium mixing bowl, add the tomatoes, minced garlic, basil, vinegar, remaining olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly and let sit for 5 minutes at room temperature.

Remove baguette from oven and top with the tomato mixture. Garnish with basil and Parmesan.

And if you made the Onion and Pepper Relish just mix half a jar with 8 ounces softened cream cheese, YUM!