Stephanie's Tomato & Basil Soup

Dave at Grand Timber in Breckenridge, CO

I absolutely love the soups made at our local grocery stores. And they were terrific until the cost went from $2.99 up to now $4.99 for the same size soup. One of my favorites was Tuscan Tomato by Safeway. I ate that soup so much I really got to know the flavors in it. So after about 4 months of tasting and testing, I think I have discovered how to replicate.

Stephanie Tomato & Basil Soup: 

1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp minced garlic - in jar or fresh
2 cans of a regular tomato soup - any brand
1 1/2 cans of water - using the tomato soup can

1 tbp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp of dried basil - I now by most of my spices at the local Vitamin Cottage. They are fresh, cheap and delicious! 

1/2 cup of cream or half & half


Heat the olive oil and add the minced garlic and saute quickly - do not burn. Add both cans of tomato soup, stirring constantly then add the 1 1/2 cans of water and heat to a boil. Next add the 1 tbp Worcestershire Sauce stir and next add the basil, bring to a slow boil for about 5 minutes stirring constantly so it does not stick to the bottom of the pot. Lastly add the cream or half & half. Heat for another 3 -5 minutes and serve.

Of course Dave's enjoys eating the soup with my five cheese grilled sandwich. (I'll post that recipe next!)