Grilled Cheesus (ala Glee) and Roasted Tomato Soup

Yes, I made a Glee reference there ;)

This week was the first cold weather we have had since EVER. So I made a roasted tomato soup with freshly grated parmesan cheese and a grilled cheese panini. I guess the theme was CHEEEEEESE!!!!!

For the soup, I based my recipe on Ina's Roasted Tomato Soup. So feel free to google her recipe. But this is what I did: 

Roasted Tomato Soup

ripe tomatoes (about a pound)

fresh basil (1/2 cup to 1 full cup)

6 cups vegetable stock

garlic (about 4 cloves, minced)

one onion (diced) 

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 can tomatoes (whole or crushed)- optional

salt and peper

******************

Slice the tomatoes (I like Campari) in half, salt them and then roast them in an oven at 450 degrees for about 40 minutes (face up).

Meanwhile, saute the diced onion and garlic in a deep soup pot for about 10 minutes. Set aside.

When the tomatoes are done roasting, put them in the pot (juice and all) along with the rest of the ingredients (onion, garlic, basil, vegetable stock and the canned tomatoes). 

Simmer for 30 minutes.

I use a stick blender to smooth it out. But you can use a regular blender if you don't have one.

Sooooooo goooood!

Oh, and don't forget to salt and pepper it, to taste.

Plus, freshly shaved parmesan really adds here! Let's face it, freshly shaved parmesan on ANYTHING is great.

(This is what the tomatoes look like when they come out of the oven!)