Friday, February 25, 2011

Tomato Basil Soup


Tomato Basil Soup

This past week I took some time to reflect back upon my life over the past nine months. It just doesn’t seem right that an educated girl like myself has to deal with unemployment. When I decided to become a RN I never envisioned being rejected so much and jobless for this long. I just don’t understand how I keep getting overlooked among the thousands {um yes, thousands} of applicants that are applying for the same position as me. Seriously, what do I have to do to get hired? Stand around on a corner somewhere holding this sign??


Despite all my frustration, I’m hopeful that employment is in my near future. I’m not taking no for an answer anymore. In the mean time, I’ll just continue on my path of positive thinking and gaining more experience through volunteer work. And let’s not forget about all those skills I’m gaining in the kitchen by actually having time to cook :) Nothing like a warm bowl of soup to cheer me up! 
XOXO....little j Y

Tomato Basil Soup
Inspired by: Ina Garten’s Cream of Fresh Tomato Soup
*Makes 8 servings

3 Tbsp olive oil
1 ½ cups red onions, chopped {2 onions}
2 carrots, peeled & chopped
1 Tbsp minced garlic {3 cloves}
2 (28 oz) cans diced or whole tomatoes {choose a high quality brand}
1 ½ tsp sugar
1 Tbsp tomato paste
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
3 cups chicken stock
2 ½ tsp kosher salt
2 tsp pepper
¾ cup heavy whipping cream
fresh basil leaves, julienned {for garnish}
homemade croutons {optional see recipe below}

Sauté onions and carrots in olive oil for about 10 minutes over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add tomatoes, sugar, tomato paste, basil, chicken stock, salt and pepper. Bring soup to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer, uncovered for 30 minutes. Use an immersion blender to purée soup to desired consistency. Stir in the cream. Serve warm with julienned basil leaves and/or croutons.


Croutons
½ sourdough baguette, chopped into bite-size pieces
2 tbsp butter
3-4 garlic cloves, chopped
3 Tbsp olive oil
kosher salt {season to taste}
pepper {season to taste}
1 tsp thyme

To make the croutons, start by chopping your sourdough baguette into bite-sized pieces & set aside. Heat the butter, olive oil, and chopped garlic in a pan over medium heat for less than 1 minute. Increase the heat to medium-high & toss in the baguette chunks, making sure each piece is coated well. Add olive oil as needed. Season the croutons with salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir bread occasionally for about 20 minutes, or until it turns a golden brown.
Final Result!!

15 comments:

  1. I recently made Tomato Basil soup and it was REALLY good; very satisfying. But I hadn't even considered adding croutons to it! I definitely have to try that next time :)

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  2. Looks fantastic! Congrats on making Top 9!

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  3. Hey there, I completely understand your frustration- I am moving places and just quit my job- I am Jobless and completely worried about getting a job in the new place (which doesn't seem positive now...) - Life moves on and I bet in a few months time when you have a job and well settled, you will look at this post and will have a smile on your face :) - Your soup looks comforting and super good- I loved your pics!

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  4. Bring a bowl of this in to your next interview and you'll be sure to get the job!

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  5. That's really hard, I'm sorry your having to go through that. It's amazing to my that a job like nursing that was once in super high demand is currently hard to find. I'm in health care and always thought my job was pretty secure, but there is a major hiring freeze, no raises for a few years now and 'calling people off' regularly.
    This, like all things is temporary tho, so keep up the positive outlook! My husband was laid off a few years ago from Chase Bank and it was the best thing that ever happend to us. It too 7 long months before he was hired somewhere else, with a major pay increase and is much, much happier at this job!
    Oh, btw, tomatoe basil soup is my fav! Looks beautiful!

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  6. Sorry about your job challenges - one thing I spoke to with a recruiter at my job is that there are a lot of applications and resumes to sort through. It helps to be a little more creative with how you're qualities are presented in paper. Just look at what you've done here! You've got create creativity that should come across in you applications.

    Good luck! I'm a fan of your photos :)

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  7. Good luck with your job hunt...thanks for this recipe. Love Ina.

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  8. Sorry for the job frustration but I can tell you that we, all your readers, are all happy cause you can keep on serving us this good food! I do wish you luck and I can only say this because I know it will work of for you pretty soon. You sound smart and you're educated.

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  9. Your soup does look like it does a great job at cheering up, delicious. Best wishes for the job in your near future, you have the right attitude:)

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  10. Girl... look for a job as a food photographer. That soup is beyond gorgeous!

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  11. Being unemployed can be frustrating -- it's the uncertainty that does it, right? I'm currently in the same situation as you and like you, I'm making use of it by exploring cuisines and techniques :) Well done on the yummylicious soup! Ever thought of exploring other markets, such as China? You could cook and cater to a niche market of expatriates whilst experimenting with fusion of Chinese and Western.

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  12. Beautiful! Warm and Comforting soup.
    I am in the same situation like you..Lost my job 1 year ago..and since than writing a blog!
    Congrats on Top 9!

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  13. Thanks everyone for your kind words & support!!! It was great to actually have some comments to read!! :D

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  14. I still think you're looking in the wrong place for a job! Your food talents shouldn't be wasted! Joseph loved the captain Crunch cookies and I'm prepping the cornbread now! The tomato basil soup is next along with the quiche@

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  15. Hang in there, Jess! I know exactly how you feel about the job frustration. You are definitely on the right track staying positive and spending your free time cooking for your enjoyment as well as for the rest of us! I hope the next time I see you we'll both have some good job news to share! In the meantime, I'm gonna just cook what you post :) Btw, tomato basil is one of my fave soups!!

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