Yellow Tomato Soup With Goat Cheese Croutons

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs yellow tomatoes halved and seeded about 9 medium
• 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 4 garlic cloves minced divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme minced
• 1 large onion chopped
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 12 slices baguette 1/2 inch thick
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons prepared basil pesto
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400F
• Place tomatoes cut side down in a greased 15x12x1 inch baking pan Brush with 1 tablespoon olive oil Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons garlic salt pepper rosemary and thyme
• Bake at 400 F for 25-30 minutes or until tender and skins are charredCool slightly then discard tomato skins
• Process tomatoes in a blender until pureed in batches if needed Set aside
• In a large saucepan or a saucepot saute onion in remaining oil until tender Add remaining garlic and saute 1 minute longer
• Add broth and milk to pan and bring to a boil Carefully stir in tomato puree Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to allow flavors to blend Stir in cream and heat through--do not boil
• While soup is simmering make croutons Place bread on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil Bake at 400 F for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown Spread toasts with pesto and sprinkle with goat cheese and pepper Bake an additional 2 minutes
• To serve ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with 2 croutons