Tomato Basil Bisque with Apple Wood Bacon grilled cheese

A Perfect Dinner for a cold evening.

Tomato Basil Bisque:

1 large can whole tomatoes

1/2 onion, chopped

1 TBsp EVOO

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup chicken broth

1 handful fresh basil

2/3 cup half and half

black pepper, salt

In a large bowl place tomatoes and crush with your hands to break apart. Careful, they will squirt!

Heat oil in a medium pot, add onions and cook over med/high heat about 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.

Turn heat to low and add garlic, cook 30 seconds and then add tomatoes and chicken broth. Simmer about 20 minutes until veggies very soft.

Add half and half and basil and blend on high with immersion blender until smooth.

Season with salt and black pepper.

Enjoy!

Apple wood Smoked Bacon grilled cheese

Loaf of artisan bread, sliced thin

Block of Sharp cheddar cheese

Apple wood Smoked Bacon

Granny Smith/Gala Apple

EVOO

Cook bacon in skillet over low/med heat, flipping frequently. Drain on paper towels.

While bacon is cooking, slice bread and apples thinly, and grate cheese with a box grater.

Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Brush a slice of bread with EVOO and top with cheese, bacon, apple slices, cheese and next piece of bread (brush with EVOO as well)

Grill on both sides about 3 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.

Slice and enjoy!!